Shannon’s Liam Alford was crowned a world kickboxing champion on Saturday. 

In a 12 round fight with reigning champion Dylan Cheema, Liam won by a split decision to collect the WKA 64kg world professional title. Cheema was unbeaten in 11 fights prior to coming up against the Clare kickboxer.

From Dun na Rí in Shannon, Liam is a 6 time amateur world champion and Sunday’s fight was the 18 year old’s debut in the professional ranks.

His coach, Howie Vincent described the fight as “an absolute war. The skill level by these two athletes was unbelievable with each round a thrill to watch”. 20 travelling supporters made the trip to England for the fight.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu05AJoFUW6/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Alford paid tribute to the supporters and his coach for sharing the memorable occasion with him. “I would like to thank the main man Howie Vincent the man behind all the training session my whole life. Getting me prepared for all the fights I’ve had over the years and now making dreams come true”.

Liam Alford on his return to Shannon Kickboxing Club. Photograph: Joe Buckley

Related News

micheál martin donald trump 1
Trump says Irish Open in Doonbeg will be 'fantastic success' & says he would be honoured to attend
irish coast guard lahinch 1
Search for Jack Boddy stood down after remains located in Lahinch
09032026_Council_Fire_Station_0065
€350k emergency tender fire vehicle added to Clare fleet
jack boddy 2
Search continues in Lahinch for missing Jack Boddy
Latest News
pat delaney tim mcinerney patrice madden eddie dillon aoibhe ward murphy denis mckeon barry mcmahon ciaran o connell
Tradition of drama lives on in Scariff
simone considine 1
Spanish Point ‘over the moon’ to realise All-Ireland Final dreams
newmarket on fergus st patricks day parade 17-03-26 colin martin 1
GALLERY: Colin championed for Newmarket-on-Fergus parade
david considine claire minogue 1
Clare creates handball history winning both minor All-Ireland titles
wexford vs clare 15-03-26 cillian brennan shane griffin 2
'It got away from us very quickly' - slip in standards cost Clare promotion chance
Premium
All-Ireland glory for St John Bosco College Kildysart
Bridge Utd take down Tulla to bounce to top spot in Premier Division
GALLERY: Legends line out for Doonbeg St Patrick's Day parade
Late Casey goal sees Tones beat Corofin in Garry Cup
Lissycasey, St Breckan's & Miltown climb to top of Cusack Cup with successive wins

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.