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

lynch's cross plunkett's road doora 1-2
Traffic lights emerge under consideration for road with 'long history of accidents'
rachael hartigan wind turbines 1
AirNav & Shannon Airport invited to brief councillors on aviation risk from onshore wind farms
portumna town hall 1-2
€500k upgrade of Bridewell in Portumna as Galway towns & villages receive €1.67m in funding
anne loftus 1
St Stephen's night fundraiser in memory of Ennis' Anne Loftus
Latest News
tipperary v clare 10-05-25 rg mark rodgers 1
Clare's young guns eager to make their mark in 2026
leah minogue family 1
Minogue named Munster handballer of the year
portumna town hall 1-2
€500k upgrade of Bridewell in Portumna as Galway towns & villages receive €1.67m in funding
anne loftus 1
St Stephen's night fundraiser in memory of Ennis' Anne Loftus
aldi ennis 1
Girl (13) appears in court over spate of alleged thefts from Ennis stores
Premium
Ennis' Pamela swaps Shannon for Weston to become Chief Operating Officer
Quick wins need to be delivered to maintain momentum for ten-year Kilrush plan
Record revenues of €14m at Armada Hotel for 2024 'in strongest year to date' for Spanish Point business
Clare GAA motion on isolated players heavily defeated after Chairman refuses to withdraw proposal
Ennis man (42) jailed for six months for defecating on Cathedral floor

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.