Daniel Thomas O'Connor (born March 30, 1986) is an American professional boxer. As of July 7th 2010, O'Connor fought for the boxing promotion Murphy's Boxing, which was founded by Ken Casey of the Boston punk band, Dropkick Murphys.[2]
Early life
An Irish American, O'Connor started playing soccer at the age of five and continued throughout high school. An avid soccer fan, he is a supporter of Celtic F.C., Liverpool F.C., his hometown team the New England Revolution and is a member of American Outlaws US Soccer Supporters.[citation needed] Along with a passion for soccer, Danny developed a love of boxing while growing up by spending every Friday evening in front of the TV set with his grandfather watching Friday Night Fights.[3] As a child growing up without cable television, O'Connor's mother taught him how to sew. This skill he honed and later used in his early boxing career."[4]
Amateur career
O'Connor was the 2007 US Olympic Trials bronze medalist and the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team alternate. He ended his amateur career with a record of 110 wins and 11 losses.[5] O'Connor, a four-time New England Golden Gloves champion, won the 2008 national Golden Gloves at light welterweight. O'Connor also won the US Nationals in 2008 and was voted outstanding boxer of the tournament.[6] Winning these two national tournaments in the same year back to back put O'Connor in an elite list of boxers who have accomplished this which includes Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns. Danny's most notable victory as an amateur was a dominant 23-3 win against eventual 2008 Olympic Gold medalist Manuel Félix Díaz. [7] O'Connor was featured in the May 5, 2008, issue of Sports Illustrated Faces in the Crowd.[8]
Professional career
Upon returning from the Beijing Olympics, O'Connor turned professional on September 17, 2008.[9] Danny signed under Warriors Boxing and Dibella entertainment.[citation needed] O'Connor was managed by Ken Casey of the Dropkick Murphys. O'Connor and Casey met through Casey's charity, The Claddagh fund.[10]
O'Connors' training camp was based in Houston. His former boxing coach is Hall of Fame trainer Ronnie Shields.[11] O'Connor trains at a facility called "Plex" a conditioning gym run by Danny Arnold.[12]
