From the Ring to Refereeing: Dan Ward’s Inspiring Journey

For Dan Ward, boxing has always been more than a sport, it’s been a lifeline. He first laced up the gloves aged nine at Thames Valley ABC in Newbury, going on to have 30 bouts and reach the School Boys Championship semi-finals. “I’ve always loved boxing to be fair, it’s helped me out immensely growing up from being in the gym environment – around people that kept you out of trouble really.”

After stepping away at 19 to focus on family life, Dan returned a few years later as a coach. “I wanted to help out the youngsters as I had been helped out in childhood,” he says. Now a Level 2 coach, he’s produced national finalists and turned his attention to officiating. “In my local area, there aren’t enough officials… that’s what got me deciding to help out and become a judge.”

Life changed dramatically in 2019 when Dan suffered a serious fall at work. “I fell from height whilst on a job and had quite a horrific injury to my leg… Then in August 2020, I made the decision to lose my leg in order to have a better quality of life.” After a long recovery, he was fitted with a prosthetic and determined to keep contributing to the sport he loves.

“I wanted to get to the position where I could become a referee,” he says. Working closely with England Boxing, Mike Hemming, Denise Coe and Dr Ali Shahidi, Dan became the first amputee referee in the organisation’s history. “It’s been worth it. I’m a Grade C level which essentially means I can referee at regional domestic events.”

Dan’s resilience shines through beyond the gym. “I attempted to climb Kilimanjaro last year… Before I had the surgery, I also completed the 3 Peaks Challenge on crutches. I’ve done Scafell since then too. It’s something that I enjoy doing and it can inspire others as well. I’m not one to sit around.”

From boxer to coach, official and amputee referee, Dan Ward’s story is one of grit, positivity and passion, proof that in boxing, it’s not about how hard you get hit, but how many times you get back up.