Sian O’Toole: “I’ve spent my whole life fighting for this dream, and I’m going to keep fighting for it.”

Sian O’Toole: “I’ve spent my whole life fighting for this dream, and I’m going to keep fighting for it.”

Sian O’Toole last fought in July 2025. A successful defence of her Midlands Area featherweight title against Doina Costin in Wolverhampton. It should have been the catalyst for more. A fighter who had aspirations of fighting for and winning world titles. O’Toole had moved to 7-0, and big things were seemingly ahead. But we haven’t seen the 27-year-old inside a boxing ring since that points victory over Costin.

“It’s been the single toughest year of my life,” O’Toole told FightPost. “Boxing is my entire life. It’s where I met my closest friends, built my career and ultimately built my family and the life I have today.

“I’ve travelled the world with Team GB, represented my country and turned professional. I wasn’t naturally talented; I got here through an enormous amount of work. The hardest part now is having no control over what happens next. For someone who has always been able to prepare, perform and fight for what they want, being in complete uncertainty is incredibly difficult.”

The extended ring hiatus and the current uncertainty is because the British Boxing Board of Control have refused to renew her boxing licence.

“The Board raised concerns about the findings from my medical investigations and whether I could safely continue boxing,” O’Toole says. “There have been differing specialist views throughout the process, and I presented a substantial body of medical evidence and specialist opinions in support of my appeal. But ultimately, the Board decided not to renew my licence.”

“I was devastated,” O’Toole added. “It was incredibly difficult to process the possibility that the career I had built, could suddenly be over. But once the initial shock passed, I knew I had to understand the decision properly and fight for myself. That’s what led me to appeal.”

But the recent appeal was unsuccessful, and O’Toole is now somewhat in limbo until the specific details are in her hands. “I’ll wait for the written decision, and consider the reasons carefully before deciding my next move. “I put everything into my appeal and I presented what I believe was a strong case, supported by substantial evidence and specialist opinions. I’ll take appropriate advice and explore every legitimate option available to me.”

Despite the unsuccessful appeal, Sian O’Toole is refusing to give up on her boxing dreams.

“I don’t see it as the end,” O’Toole says. “Boxing has given me my best friends, my family, my proudest moments and a life I could only have dreamed of. I believe that I’m capable of big things in this sport, and I’ve got an infinite amount of heart and perseverance. I’ve always backed myself. I’ve spent my whole life fighting for this dream, and I’m going to keep fighting for it.”

Photo Credit: BCB Promotions