West London rivals prepare for battle

West London fighters Ryan Toms and Steve O’Meara clash tonight knowing a victory could secure a crack at the British light-middleweight title.

They meet at Bethnal Green’s York Hall, where Toms defends his southern-area title – and his unbeaten professional record – against the slick O’Meara, who is likely to try to outbox the hard-hitting Northolt southpaw.

Toms improved his record to 9-0 with an impressive fourth-round stoppage of Pat McAleese last time out, while former Prizefighter contestant O’Meara, 27, has won 13 of his 15 bouts.

Both men were comfortably inside the 11-stone light-middleweight limit at yesterday’s weigh-in at Planet Hollywood in Piccadilly.

They believe a win will pave the way for a fight with British champion Prince Arron, but a confident O’Meara declared. “There’s a lot at stake, not just because of that, but in terms of local pride as well.

“We’re both from the west London area and know many of the same people. I don’t want to let down those who are backing me.

“I’ve sold lots of tickets for this and with the support he’ll have too, this might not be the main event but it will be the main event in terms of support and atmosphere.”

The fight is the chief support to the Commonwealth super-featherweight clash between Liam Walsh and Paul Appleby.

It also represents a step up in class for Toms, who acknowledges O’Meara’s boxing skills but is convinced he can extend his winning run.

“O’Meara is a good technician. I’ll be looking to hit him with some good shots and break him down,” said the 29-year-old.

“I’m improving all the time and showed that in the fight against McAleese. This is another test for me and I’m feeling really confident.”

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