Maths teacher Sian looks sum prospect
Sian O’Toole…turns pro in Birmingham on September 2
IT’S a pro debut and counting for Sian O’Toole as the former amateur stand-out turns pro with a wealth of experience firmly in her corner.
The paid bow takes place on BCB’s Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, show on Saturday, September 2.
Outside the ring, the 24-year-old featherweight, born and raised in Droitwich, is a maths teacher at a secondary school.
She’s also in a relationship with Frankie Gavin, Britain’s first world amateur champion and a former British and Commonwealth welterweight titleholder.
But it’s BCB who will be leading her into battle. O’Toole is a decorated amateur, with three national titles to her credit.
That included two NABGC (National Association of Boys and Girls Clubs) 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 Championship, taking place in Bulgaria and India respectively.
There’s plenty of spars for her in the BCB gym against title contenders Kirstie Bavington, Katie Healy and Vicky Wilkinson, along with Team GB hopeful Tori-Ellis Willetts.
Sian said: “This has been my first proper training camp. It’s been incredibly hard work, but brilliant as well. I’m fit and ready for a never-ending learning curve!
“My last amateur fight was in Apri just gone, when I lost in the England Elites (Championship, national semi-final). I’d won in the quarters the day before.
“I boxed well and got through (against Sam Lightfoot, unanimous points win), but I didn’t really turn up in the semis (versus Vivien Parsons, lost by majority decision).
“I’ve been boxing for 10 years, but I could never really find an amateur club that I was happy with, so I kept bouncing from gym to gym. I’ve made the decision now to be with BCB.
“The coaches there handle my training and there’s always great sparring, with the likes of Kirstie (Bavington), Katie (Healy), Vicky (Wilkinson) and Tori (Ellis Willetts).
“Frankie (Gavin) is always around for advice and he’s been more amazing than ever, with helping me to turn pro. He’s been there and done it, at the highest level.
“We have a child together (son Michael), who is two in November. I became pregnant when I was in my third year of university, as I did my dissertation.
“I’ve just passed my first year as a maths teacher, in a secondary school (Bishop Perwone C of E College, Worcester), so I’m good with numbers.
“In the first and second year of uni, I was juggling it with boxing for Team GB. I started with them when I was 17 and finished at 19.
“I’ve always been more of a boxer, I don’t tend to get involved in a scrap. I like to show my technique and look good. Hopefully, I can get a couple of fights in, before Christmas.”
*Tickets for the Eastside Rooms bill are available, priced at £40 standard or £75 VIP ringside, directly from the boxers or by visiting myfighttickets.com.