Sian: prepare for the best version of me!
Sian O’Toole…defends her title at the Hangar. Pic: Manjit Narotra/BCB
THE boxing buzz is louder than it’s ever been in Midlands featherweight champ Sian O’Toole’s family home.
For the first time, she and partner Frankie Gavin, the former world amateur champ, are in training camp together – different gyms, but with the same goal, same drive for victory.
Frankie has been preparing for a bare-knuckle battle.
O’Toole, maths teacher by day, fighter by night, is on the home run of her preparation for next Friday’s, July 4, headliner on BCB Promotions’ “Independence Day” show at the Hangar Events Venue, Wolverhampton. It’s the first defence of the Midlands title she won in December, 2023, by outpointing Beccy Ferguson.
Attempting to take her belt will be Doina Costin, a Northampton challenger who has stepped-up to 10 round status after only two bouts.
Sian said: “It’s really weird, for the first time in our relationship me and Frankie are training together, but not in the same gym. I thought there would be a clash, but we’ve pushed each other on.”
That extra push has helped bring out the best in the 26-year-old titleholder, she insisted. With BCB’s Errol Johnson, Paul Mann, Ben Wilkes and Ryan Davies all involved in the camp, Sian’s hit new heights.
“I am the fittest I have ever been,” she said, “I am the best version of myself I have ever been. I put pressure on myself to be better than I was the day before and I have trained harder than I ever had.
“I’ve never sparred Doina Costin. Frankie has done some research and says she’s a little bit come-forward. I’m just thinking about getting the best out of what I can do – and that will be better than her best.”
With each day, Sian, a former top amateur, is learning a new pro trick, adding a little extra to the style needed for success in the paid ranks.
“I don’t want to get rid of my amateur style completely,” she said, “but the pro game is slightly different. My strength is improving, it’s about picking those shots inside and making those shots count. I don’t have to change my entire style.”
Sian’s schedule is certainly hectic – there’s the school day job, quality time with son Michael, aged three-and-a-half, then gym graft. “It’s difficult, but it’s become a routine I’ve had to get used to,” she shrugged. “As soon as one hat comes off, another one goes on.”
The hard work has paid dividends, with Sian edging ever closer to a major title opportunity.
“I want a big title shot, I think I’ve earned it,” she added. “I think I’m in a position to take it off someone. I do eventually want to be a world champion, but if there’s something on the ladder on the way up, I’ll take it. At the same time I’m trying to push myself up in experience.”
*“Independence Day” on July 4 also features top Black Country prospects Ryan Woolridge, Ben Collins and Lewis Morris. Callum Seedhouse looks to build on his explosive debut at the same venue in May and Hamza Azeem has his first fight on home turf after boxing in Riyadh’s Grand Prix tournament. Mia Holland and Ashley Vaughan will be aiming to extend their unbeaten runs, Willenhall middleweight Regan Williams makes his debut and Stafford’s big punching Ashley Pettigrew can be relied on to provide fireworks.
Final 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.