O’Toole…offered fight in Philly after medical ban. Pic: Manjit Narotra/BCB
SIAN O’Toole, the unbeaten former Midlands featherweight champ, has been barred from ever boxing again in the UK on medical grounds.
But in a move that will divide both the trade and fans Sian will fight on – in America. She already has a state title fight lined-up in Philadelphia.
Sian, who has a five-year-old son with partner Frankie Gavin, is also now being advised and supported by US legend Roy Jones Jnr, a four weight world champ.
The 27-year-old, by day a Droitwich maths teacher, said: “From being told you will never box again to being in talks with Roy Jones Jnr is absolutely a dream come true, a massive win. He can open a lot of doors.
“I have been lucky enough to do what I love. I found that passion in boxing and having that taken away…I have been in the worst mental state.”
The news, however, will spark a “should she continue?” debate surrounding Sian whose licence was taken away after mandatory brain scans revealed a cavernoma. In layman’s terms that’s a cluster of abnormal blood vessels that form into a raspberry shape.
An MRI scan showed the vessels previously seeped blood. Sian freely admits: “It was there, it caused a haemorrhage, but boxing did not cause it.”
Sian’s licence was taken from her in September, 2025 – just three days before her scheduled eighth bout.
The months since have been spent in an exhausting and costly battle to get the decision overturned. She has employed a neurosurgeon and cavernoma specialist, has undergone her own scan, yet in September this year lost a London appeal.
Sian is adamant the condition is hereditary – not boxing related, has not worsened, although the Board say the cavernoma has enlarged, and she is in no more danger of brain injury than any other fighter who steps through the ropes.
She said: “I’ve sought specialist medical advice, I disagree with the Board’s decision, and I’ve explored other opportunities to continue my career in America. I’ve continued to have investigations and monitoring.
“I know I’m OK, I keep monitoring my own body because my son is the most important thing in my life. Knowing I’m safe, why wouldn’t I carry on with my dreams? Those close to me trust me, they know I wouldn’t put my son at risk. I want to box, but I still make sure I’m OK because of my son.
Sian with son Michael after another victory. Pic: Manjit Narotra/BCB
“They hardest part is having the decision over whether to stop – a decision I always believed would be mine – taken away.”
Despite the support of her own experts, Sian failed to win over those at the appeal. “When I got there I knew I was up against it, but thought I’d give it my best shot. I said my piece and came out of the room smiling. I felt I achieved something in my own way.
“My only option is to take them (the Board of Control) to the High Court and that would cost thousands.”
Instead, Sian reached out to America – and has been given the green light to box in Texas, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. “I wanted to find something to progress my career,” she explained.
“I ‘virtually’ met a promoter and he is happy to take me on. He’s got a girl who is 6-0 and wants an area title fight which I would be eligible for because my licence will be over there. In quite a few cases, they accept the scan that is put in front of them, they take it from your current scan.”
That promoter is Philadelphia’s Brian Costello who Sian praised for his help.
Sian turned pro in 2023 after a stellar amateur career that included two NABGC (National Association of Boys and Girls Clubs) titles and one England Youth Championship accolade, which earned her a spot with Team GB.
International experience saw her compete at the European Youth and World Youth Championships, taking place in Bulgaria and India respectively.
As a pro fighting under the Black Country Boxing Promotions banner, Sian won the Midlands title in only her third contest, overcoming cuts to widely outpoint Beccy Ferguson. Last time out, in July, 2025, she defended the belt with a distance win over Doina Costin.
After that performance, she told me: “I want the British (title). The European and Commonwealth titles are being sat on – give me a chance and I’ll show what I can do.”
Just two months later her career lay in tatters. In boxing, things change suddenly and dramatically.