O’Meara vows to take Toms’ title

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Steve O’Meara has vowed to end Ryan Toms’ unbeaten record when the two West Londoners meet at Bethnal Green’s York Hall on 30 September.

Toms, from Northolt, improved his record to 9-0 when he beat Pat McAleese last time out and will defend his southern area light-middleweight title against O’Meara, who has won 13 of his 15 professional fights.

And O’Meara insists he will prevail in a fight that many see as effectively an eliminator for a shot at the British title currently held by Manchester’s Prince Arron.

O’Meara, 27, said: “I watched Ryan’s last match against McAleese. There’s some good stuff but having watched him I feel like it is my fight to lose.

“He’s unbeaten and no fight against an unbeaten fighter is going to be easy, because he doesn’t know how to lose yet. Unfortunately, I’ll be the one to show him.

“I’ve tasted defeat and know what it feels like. I’m not scared of losing. Hopefully on 30 September I can show I’m a few levels above southern area title standard.”

Toms, 29, has looked impressive

The fight will be chief support to the Commonwealth super-featherweight clash between Liam Walsh and Paul Appleby and is part of a debut show for Queensberry Promotions, headed by Frank Warren’s sons Francis and George. Tickets are almost sold out.

O’Meara, who was born in Shepherd’s Bush and lives in West Drayton, reached the semi-finals of Prizefighter last year, losing on a split decision.

Shortly before that he sparred with pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather – an experience O’Meara believes has stood him in good stead.

“Sparring with him was unbelievable and it is something I will always remember,” he said.

“It also had an affect on me mentally, sharing a ring with him. Floyd Mayweather is obviously the biggest name but I’ve sparred a lot of good fighters and I’ve always felt I’ve done well.

“Whenever I’m coming up for a fight or I need that mental strength, the sparring with Mayweather, Carl Froch, James DeGale and Darren Barker – spending time in the ring with these types of fighters – makes you mentally strong.”