I’m in this sport to go all the way - O’Toole

Sian O’Toole will face Amy Greatorex at the Eastside Rooms

TOMORROW (Saturday), all eyes will be on former outstanding amateur Sian O’Toole as she makes her pro bow on BCB’s Eastside Rooms bill.

The 24-year-old feather will face Amy Greatorex, from Chesterfield, who, with three straight losses, is unlikely to spoil the party.

In the build-up to the fight, it appears every article has carried the sentence: “O’Toole, partner of Frankie Gavin…”

That she is: Sian and Birmingham’s former world amateur champ and pro welterweight titleholder have a child together.

But part of Sian must be a little irritated by the constant media association. She is a fine fighter in her own right and conducts herself well in interview. Droitwich’s Sian, a maths teacher by day, is highly articulate and her own person.

The couple are not the Posh and Becks of boxing. But the constant references to Frankie, one of the country’s greatest amateurs, is understandable.

Sensibly, Frankie has taken something of a backseat while Sian prepares for her pro baptism. He advises, provides tips and experience, but is not O’Toole’s trainer. He has, Sian insists, played a vital role.

It’s the right move. A working and domestic relationship can be problematic, particularly in the fight game.

And Frankie, to his credit, said today: “Sian has improved massively. She’s planting her feet a lot more and hitting harder.

“I’ve no doubt Sian will win. I know Amy, I tried to match them a few times in the amateurs. She’s a tough girl, but, technically, Sian’s one of the best in the country.”

Sian has sold well for her big night, shifting around 100 tickets.

She said: “I feel great and the nerves and excitement are exactly the same (as the amateur days). I’m in this to go all the way, not just to have a couple of fights.

“I’m doing this for a reason. I want to be a world champion one day.”