The boxing coach and personal trainer keeping clients fighting fit

And the 40-year-old owner of RM ABC Boxing and Fitness has beaten off some healthy competition to take Warrington’s Best for Fitness 2023 title.

Each week, we will be searching for the best Warrington has to offer in different categories.

Ashleigh Hair and Beauty took the first Best of 2023 title – Best for Hair - in Warrington and Tomlins is officially Best for Pies with Bamboo Hair and Beauty being crowned Best for Nails.

Heaths 26 is Best for Roast Dinner, Dead Eyes was announced as Best for Cocktails and Café Blu in Whitecross is Best for Breakfast.

Voting for Warrington’s Best for Fish and Chips is currently taking place and we’re also looking for nominations in our latest search - Best for Tattoos.

Next up was fitness and Daniel Warburton at RM ABC Boxing and Fitness beat off some tough competition from nine other fitness and gym instructors and came out on top.

Daniel Warburton

Daniel is a level three personal trainer and an England boxing accredited coach, referee, judge and timekeepers as well as a Hatton Academy Elite instructor.

Based at unit 5 on Palatine Estate, Causeway Avenue, Daniel had a tough start due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the official opening of the club was delayed.

Former world champion boxer Anthony Crolla cut the ribbon in June 2020 with Daniel offering boxing and fitness sessions for all ages and abilities from five upwards.

Daniel said: “I offer coaching to competitive boxers from beginners to elite level as well as recreational users who might be looking to lose weight or gain confidence.

“At RM Boxing and Fitness, we can help everyone achieve their goals.”

Daniel with some of the members of the gym and boxing club

There are boxing classes for children and adults, for beginners and experienced boxers, as well as a varied schedule of fitness sessions and circuits and individual and group training sessions.

Daniel trains football and rugby teams and works alongside charities Maverick Stars and the Warrington Wolves Foundation as well as visiting local schools and working with Activate Fun.

Daniel said: “I’ve had a passion for boxing since a young age and I first stepped foot into a boxing gym at age 11.

“I’ve been in and out of boxing gyms ever since and they taught me about determination, discipline and dedication.

“I believe life is full of ups and downs and we don’t always win.

“Boxing teaches kids not only self defence but also life lessons and how to respect others.

“I’m so proud of all of our members - keep fitters and the carded boxers - and I have personal relationships with everyone.

“Some struggle with mental health issues and I’m there for them both inside and outside of the club.

“Not everyone likes competition boxing but there is no other sport which provides the fitness and mental strength needed to succeed in life.

“This is my passion and not just a job.”

Daniel's son Marley after an exhibition bout

Daniel started his coaching journey at another Warrington club – Phoenix Fire – under head coach Damian Ridpath running sessions and helping people with their fitness before opening his own club.

Despite being an affiliated England boxing club with active boxers, Daniel wanted to open the gym to not only create champions winning regional and national titles but also to help people through the sport.

He said: “Anyone who steps into my club will say that I offer educational sessions and they always leave feeling physically and mentally worked.

“I have a great knowledge of boxing and it shows in my sessions.”

But what do Daniel’s clients and customers say about him? Why did they think he should our latest Best of 2023 award?

One nomination said: “This is an excellent environment to train in, whatever your age, and Daniel is the best trainer by far.”

The popular minis class

Daniel said: “Winning this award is a big win for boxing as a sport.

“It’s amazing to think that people put me forward and said such nice things about me and the gym – it makes everything worth while.

“Making the top ten with nine fantastic competitors, who I’m sure are as passionate about what they do as I am, is a great achievement in itself but to win is just fantastic.

“I’d like to thank each and every person who voted for all the shortlisted nominees – their support has helped us get where we are today.

“It’s a team effort at the club and working alongside the other coaches, sponsors and volunteers with our clients who have all become friends is very rewarding.

“This award is for everyone involved in RM Boxing and Fitness.”

For more details go to facebook.com/RMboxingwarrington