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

emer o'loughlin 1
21 years on from murder of Ennistymon's Emer - Gardaí still anxious to speak to Fozzie Griffin
fuel protest 07-04-26 traffic 3
More traffic chaos for Clare as protesters plan second day of road blocks
fuel protest 07-04-26 traffic 4
Fuel price hikes is latest part of cost of living crisis says Kilkee farmer
old convent ennistymon 31-03-26 5
'This will become another Ballymun' - Cllrs say Old Convent at Ennistymon cannot become social housing flats
Latest News
old convent ennistymon 31-03-26 5
'This will become another Ballymun' - Cllrs say Old Convent at Ennistymon cannot become social housing flats
fuel protest 07-04-26 traffic 5
Traffic at a standstill during rush hour in Clare
fuel protest 07-04-26 m18 traffic 1
Fuel protests to continue for rush-hour traffic
clare vs dublin 05-04-26 chris crummey mark rodgers 1
Rodgers hopeful injury not too serious
clare v limerick minor 20-04-23 dermot coughlan 1
Coughlan hopeful of further bounce from Clare U20s for phase two
Premium
Clare minor footballers rise on Easter Monday with one point win over Limerick
Hegarty remains sidelined with hamstring injury
Third win shoves St Breckans top of Cusack Cup & Éire Óg claim first points
Lohan lauds lightning attack but frustrated by black card call as Clare claim league glory
Newmarket Celtic fall short to Aisling Annacotty in Munster semi-final

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.