DANI BUTLER was, by her mum’s admission, a bit of a handful at school.
A student at St Crispin’s in Wokingham, she was quite difficult remembers her mum, Tammy – one of the naughty kids.
Now however, at 25, Dani has channeled her energy into professional sport, and is well on her way to becoming a world champion Thai boxer.
“She wouldn’t be told what to do at school,” said Tammy.
“She’s a twin, but where her sister was an angel in school, Danielle was a bit unruly and there were times when I thought she wouldn’t finish her education.”
But Dani did go on to study sports science, and in the last few years has excelled at Thai boxing, fighting at a professional (A Class) level.
She started the sport aged eight.
“Thai boxing is the art of using eight limbs,” explained Tammy.
“Your arms, your elbows, your knees and your legs – in professional Thai Boxing you can hit with all of these.”
Dani already had an extensive junior record before taking a few years out.
She returned to Thai boxing in 2024, and has had five fights – and five wins.
“She’s massively excited,” said Tammy, who has never missed one of her daughter’s fights.
“I get nervous as anything for Dani,” she admitted.
“It’s quite an evil sport out of all the martial arts, but Dani just happens to love it.
“She’s never been knocked out or anything like that, although that can happen.
“I know that she wouldn’t do anything else because she loves it.”
The comeback began with a low-key match against Georgia.
“Then in November 2024 Dani fought a girl called Holly who had won 10 events, which was daunting,” said Tammy.
Dani beat Holly to become UK number three in her class.
Then in February this year she won a fight against another woman to become World Boxing Council (WBC) British champion – and UK number two.
A win against Leonie in July for the UK number one spot at her weight was finally followed by a fight against Alicia for the WBC European Title.
Yet again Dani won, and Tammy is hugely proud of her daughter.
“Now she’s ranked number six in the world, too,” said Tammy, “It’s mad.”
Senior deputy headteacher at her old school St Crispin’s, Railton Blyth, has recently asked Dani to return.
“In many ways Mr Blyth saved Dani when she was at school,” said Tammy.
“She hasn’t been back in 10 years, but now that she’s a coach and a PT trainer, Mr Blyth’s heard she’s doing really well, and has asked her to pop in for a chat.”
Tammy says that Dani relishes a proper, serious fight, and loves the crowd being on their feet with excitement.
“But to look at her, she’s tiny – a size 6, and just 5’4” tall.” said her mum.
Dani fights at a bantamweight category of 53.5 kilos, and she works hard for her wins.
An eight week fight camp before each contest, puts her through intensive strength and conditioning that includes weights and running.
“It’s a lot more than just going to the gym and training, and it’s every day, except Sunday,” said Tammy.
“Thai boxing has taught her discipline, and self defence, but I love that she’s not big headed or arrogant about it.
“She never looks for trouble, and always walks away from it, even though she could well look after herself.
“She tells me fighting is for the ring only.”
Dani trains at All Styles Gym, Camberley, where she is assistant head coach, and trains men twice her size.
Her trainer is head coach Scott Corah.
For information, visit: allstylesstriking.com
