O’Meara stuns Toms in west London clash

Steve O’Meara sensationally knocked out fellow West Londoner Ryan Toms in the first round of their light-middleweight showdown at Bethnal Green’s York Hall.

The previously unbeaten Toms was floored by a two-punch combination and failed to beat the count, losing his southern-area title in dramatic fashion.

O’Meara, who was shading the round after a couple of eye-catching flurries and a crisp left cross, is now in contention for a shot at the British title.

His record improves to 14-2 after the third stoppage victory of his career, while Toms must go back to the drawing board after a brutal end to an impressive run that had seen him win his first nine professional contests.

O’Meara, who was born in Shepherd’s Bush and lives in West Drayton, had been expected to try to outbox Toms using his slick boxing skills.

But when he landed with a straight right and a clubbing left hook it was clear Toms was badly shaken, and the count was completed before the Northolt southpaw unsteadily got to his feet.

“Hopefully this win will be a stepping stone for me,” an overjoyed O’Meara told West London Sport.

“I’m not surprised I stopped him but I am surprised it happened so quickly. I don’t think I’ve ever thrown a better punch.

“I didn’t get the chance to show much of what I’ve been doing in the gym. Hopefully that’ll happen next time – I want to move on to bigger and better things now.”

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