Boxer makes triumphant professional debut

A former student at Haberdashers' Monmouth Schools has made a winning start as a professional boxer.

Liam O'Hare, who had more than 35 fights as an amateur, triumphed on points in his professional bow as a Middleweight.

Liam defeated Kevin McCauley, a veteran of 248 bouts, who proved a durable opponent, in Walsall.

"I won every round on the scorecards against a very tough and durable veteran of more than 240 fights," said Liam.

"I had a great turn-out of supporters, too, and I felt very lucky to have had so many people cheering me on."

Liam was a pupil at The Grange (now Monmouth Prep School) and a student at Monmouth School for Boys, leaving after Sixth Form in the summer of 2015.

At Monmouth, Liam boarded in New House and Buchanan, where he enjoyed playing the League of Legends game. He also spent a couple of terms at the Birmingham Royal Ballet (Elmhurst).

"I walked into the ring dressed as Santa Claus, which really got the crowd going," said Liam.

"Having won the fight, I then did my signature triple ballet spin, tour en l'air."

"It was a great night and I can't wait for my next fight."

While studying at Monmouth, Liam joined Lydney Boxing Club in the Forest of Dean and trained three times a week under the guidance of coach Brian Higgs, who remains his mentor.

Liam is a member of The City of Hereford Boxing Academy.