World stage awaits Sheffield boxer

The 24 year old Sheffield postman has yet to deliver himself a title of any form in the professional ranks.

But his trainer and manager, Ryan Rhodes, sees himself in O’maison - and believes the ex Ingle man can climb up the rankings as high as he did.

“I have no doubt Sam will become the best light welter/lightweight in the country” says Rhodes. “He reminds me of my stye when I was boxing, a slick southpaw. Before his last fight (points win over William Warburton November) I took him up and down Yorkshire sparring at the best gyms. He went in with Tyrone Nurse (Huddersfield’s British champion) and it was a fantastic work-out; Sam more than held his own. We will both be putting in a lot of hard work and he will be in some great fights and will go all the way.”

O’maison has chalked up 11 wins, and a single loss to Michael Mooney 15 months ago. “We will get him out in February and have a busy year; an active fighter can become a better fighter.”

Rhodes is waiting for his other prize asset, Ross Burkinshaw to recuperate from a shoulder operation. “The injury came when he was flying. It was a major, operation - injuries have plagued his career. You never know how boxers come back after injuries, we will have to wait and see.”