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Darren Morgan (boxer)

{{Short description|British boxer (born 1976)}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}

{{Use British English|date=June 2014}}

{{Infobox boxer

| name = Darren Morgan

| nickname = The Beast from Bonymaen

| weight = Heavyweight

| height = 6 ft 1+1/2 in

| reach =

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1976|10|26|df=y}}

| birth_place = Swansea, Wales

| style = Orthodox

| total = 13

| wins = 8

| KO = 6

| losses = 5

| medaltemplates =

{{MedalSport | Men's amateur boxing}}

{{MedalCountry| {{WAL}} }}

{{MedalCompetition | Four Nations Championships}}

{{MedalGold | 2004 Glasgow | Super-heavyweight}}

{{MedalCompetition | Welsh National Championships}}

{{MedalGold | 2004 Ebbw Vale | Super-heavyweight}}

}}

Darren Morgan (born 26 October 1976) is a British former professional boxer who competed between 2005 and 2014. As an amateur, he won the WABA super-heavyweight title and a gold medal at the Four Nations Championship in 2004.

Amateur career

Morgan competed in the 2003 European Union Amateur Championships, losing on points to eventual bronze medalist, Ahmet Aksu, in the quarterfinals.{{Cite web|url=http://amateur-boxing.strefa.pl/Championships/EuropeanUnion2003.html|title=1. European Union Championships - Strasbourg, France - June 10-14 2003|website=Amateur Boxing Results|language=en-GB|access-date=20 May 2025}} Later that year, Morgan competed in an international dual match between Wales and Norway, winning by stoppage.{{Cite web|url=http://amateur-boxing.strefa.pl/DualsLeague/2003/DualWAL_NOR.html|title=Dual Match Wales - Norway 10:6 Cardiff, Wales November 15, 2003|website=Amateur Boxing Results|language=en-GB|access-date=12 May 2025}}

Morgan won the 2004 WABA super heavyweight title, after defeating David Maes in the final.{{Cite web|url=http://amateur-boxing.strefa.pl/Nationalchamps/Wales2004.html|title=Welsh National Championships - Ebbw Vale - January 30 2004|website=Amateur Boxing Results|language=en-GB|access-date=12 May 2025}} Morgan competed in the 2004 European Amateur Championships, losing by stoppage, in the preliminaries.{{Cite web|url=http://amateur-boxing.strefa.pl/Championships/EuropeanChampionships2004.html|title=35.European Championships Pula, Croatia February 19-29, 2004|website=Amateur Boxing Results|language=en-GB|access-date=20 May 2025}} Morgan won a gold medal at the Four Nations Championships.{{Cite web|url=http://amateur-boxing.strefa.pl/Tournaments/British_FourNations_2004.html|title=Four Nations Tournament - Glasgow, Scotland - April 3-4 2004|website=Amateur Boxing Results|language=en-GB|access-date=12 May 2025}} Morgan competed in the Chowdhry Cup, which served as an olympic qualifier, losing on points, in the preliminaries.{{Cite web|url=http://amateur-boxing.strefa.pl/Tournaments/AnwarChowdry2004.html|title=8.Chowdhry Cup (olympic qualifier) Baku, Azerbaijan April 27 - May 2, 2004|website=Amateur Boxing Results|language=en-GB|access-date=20 May 2025}} Morgan competed in the 2004 European Union Amateur Championships, losing by stoppage to eventual bronze medalist, Sergey Rozhnov, in the quarterfinals.{{Cite web|url=http://amateur-boxing.strefa.pl/Championships/EuropeanUnion2004.html|title=2.European Union Championships Madrid, Spain June 20-26, 2004|website=Amateur Boxing Results|language=en-GB|access-date=20 May 2025}}

Professional career

=Early career=

Morgan turned professional under Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions banner. Morgan made his professional debut on 21 January 2005 at the Bridgend Leisure Centre in Bridgend, beating Gambian Ebrima Secka by a technical knockout (TKO) in the first round.{{Cite web|title=BoxRec: Darren Morgan vs. Ebrima Secka|url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/434780/892174|access-date=12 May 2025|website=BoxRec}} Morgan's second fight was against English heavyweight Dave Clarke at the MEN Arena in Manchester on 4 June 2005, on the undercard of Ricky Hatton's successful IBF and The Ring junior welterweight title challenge against Kostya Tszyu, winning via first-round TKO.{{Cite web|title=BoxRec: Darren Morgan vs. Dave Clarke|url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/436124/968179|access-date=12 May 2025|website=BoxRec}} Morgan's third fight was at the International Arena in Cardiff against Englishman Tony Booth (45–48–8, 9 KOs) on 10 September 2005, winning a points decision (PTS), by 39–35.{{Cite web|title=BoxRec: Darren Morgan vs. Tony Booth|url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/463857/990361|access-date=12 May 2025|website=BoxRec}}

In February 2006, Morgan scored a third-round TKO victory over Radcliffe Green at the ExCeL, to take his record to 4–0.{{Cite web|title=BoxRec: Darren Morgan vs. Radcliffe Green|url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/483535/1069098|access-date=12 May 2025|website=BoxRec}} In March that year, Morgan defeated István Kecskés, winning on points after four rounds.{{Cite web|title=BoxRec: Darren Morgan vs. Istvan Kecskes|url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/483305/1050162|access-date=12 May 2025|website=BoxRec}}

=Consecutive defeats=

In May 2006, Morgan came up against the toughest test of his career in undefeated Irish heavyweight prospect, Martin Rogan (3–0, 2 KOs) in Belfast, losing a points decision.{{Cite web|title=Boxing: Don't blow the chance of fighting Barrera...|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/boxing-dont-blow-the-chance-of-fighting-barrera/28103504.html|access-date=12 May 2025|website=Belfast Telegraph}}

Morgan's next fight was at the York Hall in London against undefeated heavyweight Derek Chisora (2–0, 1 KO) on 13 October 2007, losing on points after four rounds. Chisora stated in 2022 that Morgan was the hardest puncher he has ever faced in his career.{{Cite web|last=Temple|first=Cameron|date=24 April 2022|title=POWER Derek Chisora has fought Tyson Fury, Dillian Whyte, David Haye and Vitali Klitschko but says none punch harder than 'Welsh Beef' Darren Morgan|url=https://talksport.com/sport/boxing/1091121/derek-chisora-tyson-fury-dillian-whyte-david-haye-hardest-puncher/|access-date=12 May 2025|website=Talksport}}

In January 2008, in his first fight over six rounds, Morgan faced undefeated heavyweight Sam Sexton (6–0, 2 KOs) in London, losing by PTS.{{Cite web|title=Sexton is ready to face huge challenge|url=https://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/20687215.sexton-ready-face-huge-challenge/|access-date=12 May 2025|website=Eastern Daily Press}}

=Prizefighters=

On 11 April 2008, Morgan was a competitor in the inaugural Prizefighter series on Sky Sports.{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/3407864/come-the-revolution|title=Come the revolution!|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=12 May 2025}} Morgan faced David Dolan in the quarter-final, losing by unanimous decision with scores of 30–26, 30–27, and 30–27. A punishing left hook from Morgan had Dolan out on his feet and holding on in the final round.{{cite web|url=http://www.secondsout.com/UK/news.cfm?ccs=228&cs=24364|title=SecondsOut Boxing News - UK Boxing News - Rogan is the First Ever Prizefighter Winner|website=Secondsout.com|access-date=2025-05-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080422061444/http://www.secondsout.com/uk/news.cfm?ccs=228&cs=24364|archive-date=2008-04-22|url-status=dead}}

On 12 September 2008, Morgan was once again competed in the second Prizefighter series on Sky Sports.{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/4101942/prizefighter-is-back|title=Prizefighter is back!|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=12 May 2025}} Morgan faced Lee Swaby in the quarter-final, losing by unanimous decision with scores of 30–27, 30–27, and 30–27.{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/4137126/sexton-takes-the-prize|title=Sexton takes the prize|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=12 May 2025}}

=Return to the ring=

Morgan made his ring return on 14 September 2013 at the Oceana in Swansea. He fought Egyptian Adel Badawy, winning via TKO at 26 seconds in the first round.{{Cite web|title=BoxRec: Darren Morgan vs. Adel Badawy|url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/677279/1825602|access-date=12 May 2025|website=BoxRec}} Morgan followed this victory up with another first-round stoppage win against Lithuanian Remigijus Ziausys two months later.{{Cite web|title=BoxRec: Darren Morgan vs. Remigijus Ziausys|url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/681470/1843309|access-date=12 May 2025|website=BoxRec}}

On 24 October 2014, Morgan defeated Mateusz Gatek, scoring a TKO victory at 10 seconds in the opening round, achieving his third knockout (KO) victory in a row.{{Cite web|title=BoxRec: Darren Morgan vs. Mateusz Gatek|url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/699055/1918621|access-date=12 May 2025|website=BoxRec}}

Personal life

Morgan, also known by his ring name “Daz”, hails from Ystradgynlais and has been candid about a traumatic past that has deeply influenced both his life and boxing career. In a decision that broke a long-held silence, Morgan disclosed that he and a close friend were subjected to prolonged sexual abuse beginning when they were just six years old. The perpetrator, a family friend who was later adjudicated for his actions, abused their trust over several decades. Morgan’s choice to waive his legal entitlement to anonymity was driven by a desire to empower other victims and to bring broader attention to the issue of child sexual abuse.

Morgan has attributed many of his early adult struggles—notably bouts of uncontrolled aggression—to the unresolved impact of those experiences. This inner turmoil was, in part, channeled into his boxing, where he gained recognition on the amateur and semi-professional circuits under the moniker “Bonymaen Beast.” Despite his commitment to the sport, the lingering emotional burden ultimately played a role in his decision to retire from boxing, as he felt that the personal scars prevented him from realizing his full potential.

In addition to his experiences of abuse, Morgan has faced significant personal loss, having lost his father and older brother within a few months of each other. These compounded hardships have informed his public disclosures and advocacy, as he seeks not only to reconcile with a painful past but also to foster dialogue on issues of victim support and early intervention. His revelation, coming after the conviction of his alleged abuser on multiple charges related to indecent assault, has resonated with those who remain hesitant to speak out about sexual abuse.{{Cite web|url=https://www.brecon-radnor.co.uk/news/victims-of-abuse-lift-lid-on-childhood-trauma-79415|title=Victims of abuse lift lid on childhood trauma|website=Brecon & Radnor Express|language=en-GB|access-date=12 May 2025}}

Professional boxing record

{{BoxingRecordSummary

|ko-wins=6

|ko-losses=0

|dec-wins=2

|dec-losses=5

}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{{abbr|No.|Number}}

!Result

!Record

!Opponent

!Type

!Round, time

!Date

!Location

!Notes

13

|{{yes2}}Win

|8–5

|style="text-align:left;"|Mateusz Gatek

|TKO

|1 (4), {{small|0:10}}

|24 Oct 2014

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Leisure Centre, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales}}

|

12

|{{yes2}}Win

|7–5

|style="text-align:left;"|Remigijus Ziausys

|TKO

|1 (4), {{small|1:04}}

|29 Nov 2013

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Oceana, Swansea, Wales}}

|

11

|{{yes2}}Win

|6–5

|style="text-align:left;"|Adel Badawy

|TKO

|1 (6), {{small|0:26}}

|14 Sep 2013

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Oceana, Swansea, Wales}}

|

10

|{{no2}}Loss

|5–5

|style="text-align:left;"|Lee Swaby

|UD

|3

|12 Sep 2008

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle, England}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Prizefighter Series: heavyweight - quarter final}}

9

|{{no2}}Loss

|5–4

|style="text-align:left;"|David Dolan

|{{abbr|UD|Unanimous decision}}

|3

|11 Apr 2008

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|York Hall, London, England}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Prizefighter Series: heavyweight - quarter final}}

8

|{{no2}}Loss

|5–3

|style="text-align:left;"|Sam Sexton

|PTS

|6

|12 Jan 2008

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|York Hall, London, England}}

|

7

|{{no2}}Loss

|5–2

|style="text-align:left;"|Derek Chisora

|PTS

|4

|13 Oct 2007

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|York Hall, London, England}}

|

6

|{{no2}}Loss

|5–1

|style="text-align:left;"|Martin Rogan

|PTS

|4

|20 May 2006

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|King's Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland}}

|

5

|{{yes2}}Win

|5–0

|style="text-align:left;"|István Kecskés

|PTS

|4

|11 Mar 2006

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Newport Centre, Newport, Wales}}

|

4

|{{yes2}}Win

|4–0

|style="text-align:left;"|Radcliffe Green

|TKO

|3 (4), {{small|1:37}}

|25 Feb 2006

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|ExCeL, London, England}}

|

3

|{{yes2}}Win

|3–0

|style="text-align:left;"|Tony Booth

|{{abbr|PTS|Points decision}}

|4

|10 Sep 2005

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|International Arena, Cardiff, Wales}}

|

2

|{{yes2}}Win

|2–0

|style="text-align:left;"|Dave Clarke

|TKO

|1 (4), {{small|1:34}}

|4 Jun 2005

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|MEN Arena, Manchester, England}}

|

1

|{{yes2}}Win

|1–0

|style="text-align:left;"|Ebrima Secka

|{{abbr|TKO|Technical knockout}}

|1 (4), {{small|2:11}}

|21 Jan 2005

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Leisure Centre, Bridgend, Wales}}

|

Mixed martial arts record

{{MMArecordbox

| draws=

| nc=

| ko-wins=

| ko-losses=

| sub-wins=

| sub-losses= 1

| dec-wins=

| dec-losses=

| dq-wins=

| dq-losses=

| other-wins=

| other-losses=

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 0–1

| Ashley Pollard

| Submission (Calf Slicer)

| PFN - Predator Fight Night

| {{dts|format=dmy|2008|November|09}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 0:59

| Swansea, Wales

|

{{end}}

References

{{Reflist|30em}}

External links

  • {{BoxRec|290703}}

{{s-start-collapsible|header={{s-sports}} }}

{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=Amateur boxing titles}}

{{s-before|before=Kevin Evans}}

{{s-ttl|title=WABA super-heavyweight champion

|years=2004}}

{{s-after|after=Allan Kasongo}}

{{s-before|before=Kevin Evans}}

{{s-ttl|title=Four Nations super-heavyweight champion

|years=2004}}

{{s-after|after=David Price}}

{{s-end}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Morgan, Darren}}

Category:1976 births

Category:Boxers from Swansea

Category:Living people

Category:Sportspeople from Swansea

Category:Super-heavyweight boxers

Category:21st-century Welsh sportsmen