De La Lawyer looks for second pro win

Oscar McCracken….back in action at Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport

BOXING brief Oscar McCracken – the game’s only lawyer – is set to again swaps the courtroom for ring canvas.

The 25-year-old, from a famous Birmingham fight family, will have his second professional fight at Birmingham Airport’s Holiday Inn on August 24.

It’s much too early to assess what the welter can achieve, but two facts have already been established.

He possesses the sport’s most ingenious ring nickname: Oscar “De La Lawyer” McCracken is marketing genius.

He has a huge following, with 250 tickets sold for his debut in May. The McCracken barmy army were in full voice as the left hooking legal eagle gained four rounds victory over Sam Kirk.

But then, the McCrackens are looked on as Birmingham boxing royalty.

In a 24 bout career, dad Spencer, who trains Oscar, fought Harry Dhami for the British welter title and Peter Malinga for the IBO version of the world belt.

Uncle Robbie is a former British light-middleweight champ who has coached the very best at amateur and pro level, including Anthony Joshua. Max, also a former pro, trains big names, too.

Oscar has made the plunge with zero amateur experience, but looked polished and poised in his first fight.

“I was pleased,” said Spencer. “I’d like to see him step it up in terms of his performance and showing he has more gears. I was surprised by how calm and cool he was. I think he could’ve comfortably done six rounds.

“It’s too early to say what he can achieve, but I wouldn’t put him in if I didn’t think he was capable of winning at least a British title.”

Spencer admitted a father-and-son relationship in boxing can be difficult.

“They can feel you’re being a bit harder on them than the others,” he explained. “I don’t think it’s the case, but others are telling me it is. I have set programmes I do with everyone, so I know I’m not treating Oscar any differently.”

Oscar’s ring story is unconventional, to say the least.

He emerged from the University of Worcester with a first class honours degree in law. Oscar took his Masters in law and business, completed his all-important legal practice course, has worked in construction and real estate and just netted a training contract with a top legal firm.

“The biggest thing my dad regretted about his boxing career was not having a back-up,” Oscar said. “With me, being quite academic, I thought I’d apply myself in law.”

Oscar stressed he’s been around the blood and bruises game all his life.  “I grew up around boxing. From the age of 14-15, I’ve been sparring top professional boxers.

“I didn’t box as an amateur because I never liked amateur boxing, I didn’t like the style. My dad has always trained professional boxers and this is something I’ve always wanted to do. If I hadn’t gone to university and concentrated on law, this is something I would’ve done years ago.

“The time is right and I have all the experience I picked up along the way.

“People think I’m mad, but why would I not do this with all the professional expertise and set-up around me?”