‘Battling Brief’ Oscar faces first tough test
Oscar McCracken with dad Spencer…first six rounder on Sunday
OSCAR “De La Lawyer” McCracken – the pro game’s only qualified legal eagle – steps up for his first serious test on Sunday.
We’ll know a lot more about the tall welter – son of former fine pro Spencer McCracken – after the dust has settled following his appearance at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport, on a show entitled Jingle Brawls.
Excuse the pun, but teak tough Mexican Ramiro Garcia Lopez, who McCracken faces in his first six rounder, will help tell fans how big the prospect’s bells are.
Last year, I watched the 33-year-old give Midlands prospect of the year Niall Farrell one very hard battle. Garcia sunk-in spiteful body shots and lashed back whenever tagged.
He may have won only eight of 41, but the hardman from Guadalajara has faced some of the best domestic boxers in the business. Admittedly, his best days have been at lightweight – and McCracken’s big at a weight two divisions above.
On Sunday, after four learning fights – all won on points, McCracken faces his first bruising encounter.
The 26-year-old’s day job earned Oscar, who “turned over” with no amateur experience, headlines. That created hype, now the heat is being turned-up in the ring.
I’m still a little puzzled why Oscar, with a very lucrative legal career ahead of him, a demanding career at that – felt the need to punch for pay.
He’s puzzled that I – and many others – are puzzled.
“It’s in the blood,” he told me, “it runs like DNA through my family. When it bites you, it bites you proper. Being a professional boxer was always on the cards.
“People are always surprised a lawyer has become a boxer, but it should be the other way round. I don’t understand why they’re not surprised a boxer has become a lawyer.
“I’ve always been in gyms and sparred pros, I didn’t want to regret not doing it. I’ve been around fighters all my life and now I know first-hand what they go through.
“I could’ve been someone who didn’t box and became a manager and trainer, but I have too much respect for boxers to do that.
“And what I’m doing hasn’t been done before – what more motivation do you need?”
McCracken came into this unforgiving game backed by a very good story. An important chapter will be written this weekend.