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

cathal crowe 02-03-26 3
'Put down the microphone' - Clare TD Crowe told 'sit down & don't speak' at health meeting
Gerry and Bernie Murphy and Sharon receptionist in Ei
Gerry Murphy gets the nod as Grand Marshal in Shannon
joe vaughan funeral 31-08-25 8
No foul play suspected in death of Moy GAA President Joe Vaughan
dublin airport 1
Fast tracking Dublin Airport expansion risks regional imbalance
Latest News
st michael's kilmihil u19 champions 1
Glory for St Michael's Kilmihil in Munster decider
Gerry and Bernie Murphy and Sharon receptionist in Ei
Gerry Murphy gets the nod as Grand Marshal in Shannon
rice college football 1
Rice College qualify for All-Ireland decider after beating St Brendan's Belmullet
ben lyne man utd 1
Lyne scores twice on debut for Irish U15 side
woodies ennis 1
Woodie's to create up to 30 jobs at new Ennis store
Premium
Rice College qualify for All-Ireland decider after beating St Brendan's Belmullet
Clare player ratings vs Carlow: Stritch leading the charge to shake-up established Clare team
No foul play suspected in death of Moy GAA President Joe Vaughan
Clare's altered kickout strategy not due to Bohannon's absence - Madden
Judge tells man (50s) who falsely accused wife of having affair with her solicitor 'stop charging around like a bull'

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.