Sian gets early shot at the Midlands title
Sian O’Toole lets the punches fly. Pic: BCB Promotions/BCB Images
SIAN O’Toole only made her professional debut in September, but such is her talent that the featherweight prospect has landed a Midlands title shot against Beccy Ferguson, headlining BCB Promotions ‘Fight Before Xmas’ show at the Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, on December 20.
The 24-year-old from Droitwich was an exceptional amateur, competing for GB at the European and world youth championships. With three national titles and plenty of high quality sparring banked, she decided to join the paid ranks, signing with Errol Johnson. After two quick wins, an opportunity to box for the Midlands strap came up, and she took it straight away.
Sian said: “I was a bit surprised to get the title shot in just my third fight, but it was definitely a nice surprise and one I instantly said yes to. The fact I will also be headlining the show is a great feeling and there are so many talented fighters on the undercard.
“I haven’t watched a lot of Ferguson. She has been in with girls I have done well against before when I was an amateur. I know she is aggressive and not your typical southpaw, and has picked up a few wins this year.”
O’Toole teaches math at a secondary school in Worcester and balances full-time work, training and being a mum to her son Michael.
“Being so busy is something I am very used to. When I was at university I had a lot on the go at the same time with my studies and boxing. Some days are harder than others, but it’s all worth it and I want to show Michael that there are no limitations and anything worth doing isn’t easy.
“Nobody should have to stop following their dreams because life gets in the way. I want to make Michael proud.”
Sian’s first two bouts against Amy Greatorex and Karina Szmalenberg both went to points over six two minute rounds and this fight will see her jump up to the 10 round championship distance.
There is a lot of debate in the sport about whether women’s boxing should match the men’s distance and O’Toole is firmly in the camp that equality is needed.
“I think the 10 rounds will suit me nicely. I feel I get into a rhythm as the rounds go on. I enjoy it more and can showcase my skills over a longer fight. As expected, I am sparring 10 plus rounds and training harder, and for longer lengths of time. I know that each camp I have had so far as a professional we have upped the training anyway.
“I’ve been busy these last few months and I believe that gives me an advantage, as I have built on my fitness, and it’s given me a smoother transition into the pro game. I support the equality of women’s professional boxing. Three minute rounds is all I have known in my 10 years as an amateur, and we train alongside men, anyway, and work just as hard, so I don’t see why it would be an issue for us to fight the same, too. Women’s boxing is flourishing and constantly evolving, and I think this is the next step.
“I’m in a great position now and even though this shot is coming early I am not rushing, I want to earn what I get and achieve big things in the sport, starting with winning the belt on December 20.”
*Tickets for the December 20 Fight Before Xmas show are available now from the boxers directly or by emailing info@bcb-promotions.com, priced £40 standard and £80 VIP Ringside.