Costin stronger for Midlands title loss
Costin battles it out with Sian O’Toole. Picture: Stephen Webb/BCB
INSTEAD of leaving Wolverhampton with the Midlands featherweight title, Doina Costin left with something arguably more valuable - fierce motivation, writes PAUL WEBB.
Now, she is set to return to the Hangar Venue, the scene of her first professional loss, on September 19 for BCB Promotions’ “The New Guard” show.
That challenge back in July against Sian O'Toole ended in 97-93 points defeat, but the Northampton 31-year-old looked comfortable at the championship distance in what was just her third professional fight.
She said: “I’ve watched the fight back a lot, at least 20 times. I was happy with my performance, and I had to overcome headbutts and elbows. It wasn’t a clean fight, it was quite dirty. I gave it my all. It was good to do the 10 rounds, and my training for it went really well. Sometimes in a fight things don’t go as planned, and I learnt a lot.”
That training has seen her switch gyms, and she is now working with former British champion and world title challenger Esham Pickering.
“I switched to Epic Golden Gloves Boxing Club in Newark and we just connected right away. Esham has so much knowledge and he has been there and done it in the ring, winning titles, and we know what I will be capable of the next time I get a title shot.
“People expect you to be training all the time, and I’m working full time. I don’t have any days off and I invest in myself with my nutrition and strength and conditioning. I didn’t grow up here, so I don’t have huge support, so everyone who buys a ticket makes a massive difference.”
The Moldovan-born talent moved to the UK later in life and turned to the paid ranks in February, 2024, picking up wins over Sherie Barnes and Kira Carter before stepping up to title level against O'Toole. Despite her limited experience, she knows in this sport she needs to move quickly and is prepared for that.
She said: “One thing I know about myself is I have tough skin. I didn’t need a fight to prove that and my goal is always to win no matter what. This fight will be different, back down to four rounds, not 10, and I won’t know the opponent till later on, unlike with Sian, which we could prepare for. People think, 'well, you have done 10, four will be easy’, but I’m training just as hard because I want to return to that level. I’m not 20, I can’t afford to take my time.
Liam Carey, Warren Leybourne and Ethan Rutter will all make their professional debuts alongside Callum Latimer and Paige Goodyear, with Jermaine Osbourne-Edwards headlining the stacked card.
*Tickets are available now, priced at £45 for general admission and £80 for VIP, from the boxers directly or by emailing info@bcb-promotions.com.