Boxing Punchlines: Sian O’Toole, feather

Sian O’Toole, featherweight newcomer. From Birmingham, aged 24

 Why, when and where did you start boxing?

My brother boxed for a number of years before me, competing what seemed every week, coming home with trophies and sibling rivalry took over. I came into the sport to get more trophies than him. I was 13-years-old and had my first fight at Droitwich Boxing Club aged 14.

Who was you original coaching team?

Jayson Doyle, Jeff Adams and Chris Andrews. I stayed there for the first six or seven years of my career until my path changed.

How many amateur bouts did you have and what was your record?

I had 41 amateur bouts, with a winning record of just over half. The losses came against top, highly-rated internationals and Olympians.

Any titles won or contested for?

Three national titles, one tri-nations title, Medalled in smaller international tournaments representing GB.

Your success and talent elevated you to the international stage. Tell us about that?

After winning the nationals, I earned my place in the England Squad, progressing onto the Great Britain Team. I competed in the Youth European and World Championships, along with minor international tournaments.

I loved every minute focusing on full-time training on camp in Sheffield fortnightly. It definitely helped shape me into the person I am today as I met my closest friends through the team. We travelled the world together doing what we love – and all while I was juggling full-time studies, doing BSc human biology and sports coaching science at university.

Sian with partner Frankie Gavin

You are a long-time partner of the only man to win a world amateur title, Frankie Gavin. Tell us about your boxing relationship?

We’ve made the joint decision that we can’t work in the gym together in a coach-boxer relationship. I truly value his expertise, knowledge and advice - even more so now after turning professional. But being in a relationship, living together and having a child together, we clash when he has to tell me what to do in the gym. So he is happy coachingm while I train out of BCB.

But I can honestly say I’ve never listened to him more since turning pro! He helps me in every aspect outside the gym.

The decision has been made to join the professional ranks. Who’s on your coaching team?

All the coaches at BCB, Errol Johnson and Paul Mann being my main trainers. Chris Miah also sorts out my strength and conditioning and nutrition advice.

Your pro debut is coming up on September 2. How will it feel to be boxing without a headguard for the first time?

Quite surreal, I think. I haven’t really thought about it until now, we’ll just have to wait and see. But I think it will give me more freedom without having to worry about whether the headguard is slipping off.

What are your hopes and expectations for the rest of 2023 and 24?

 Get a good number of fights under my belt and gain valuable experience transitioning smoothly into the pros. Take every opportunity that arises and make the most of it! One step at a time - I know it’s going to a lengthy process but it will be more than worth it to be on this journey with the support of my family behind me.

Interview by DEREK FITZPATRICK