O’Toole is itching to get back in the ring
Sian O’Toole…fights on Friday. Picture: Manjit Narotra/BCB Promotions
Sian O'Toole is itching to get back into action after her November Commonwealth Silver featherweight title challenge against Ebonie Jones was scrapped just a week before the fight, writes PAUL WEBB.
The 25-year-old from Droitwich makes up for lost time this Friday in Dudley on BCB Promotions' "Brawl At The Hall”.
The Midlands champ, who boasts an impressive undefeated record of five fights, had hoped a victory over Jones would propel her into major televised bouts. While Friday's bout against Slovakian Barbora Mayerova (3-3) is not for a title, it will provide O'Toole with valuable rounds.
“I've been desperate to get back in," O'Toole said. "I needed to fight, regardless of who or where it was. Not boxing since May was not what I wanted, but it was beyond me and my team’s control. These things happen in professional boxing and it feels like I've been in a 10-month training camp. I'm fully prepared for this one.”
The Midlands Area Council has called for O’Toole to defend her area title against Northampton's Doina Costin (2-0). With both under BCB Promotions, the fight appears easy to arrange. However, O'Toole is focused on climbing the rankings, with numerous rumours circulating about potential opponents.
“The Costin fight is interesting, as it would be good to box 10 rounds again,” she said. “It's been a while since my title fight with Beccy Ferguson, so returning to that distance would be beneficial. I'm really aiming for the big names now. People like Raven Chapman have had their opportunity and that's a fight I'd like. I also want to challenge for the British title or other major belts.”
A dedicated trainer, O'Toole has travelled extensively to secure top-tier sparring.
“I'm used to it from my amateur days, boxing across the country because there weren't as many women to spar with,” she said. “And you had to travel to face the best. I went to the Hatton Gym to spar with Chloe Watson in preparation for her EBU title fight and, at the BCB gym, I've had excellent rounds with Kirstie Bavington. I feel like I'm improving and want to showcase what I've been working on. These fights are about gaining experience until the big opportunity arises and I can't be ignored any longer.”
The five-fight card also features Midlands featherweight champion Ryan Griffiths, former Midlands welterweight challenger Liam Gould, undefeated talent Blaine Williams and the professional debut of Jacob Lloyd.
*Final tickets are available now, priced at £45 for general admission and £80 VIP. They can be purchased directly from the boxers or by emailing info@bcb-promotions.com.