De La Lawyer takes his third pro victory

Oscar McCracken celebrates with Spencer McCracken Jnr

OSCAR “De La Lawyer” McCracken – solicitor by day, fighter by night – jabbed with precision to take his third win on the spin.

At Birmingham Airport’s Holiday Inn, the 25-year-old stuck to the basics and took every session against Shane Smith. Referee Ryan Churchill scored the four rounder 40-36.

Friday was my first ringside look at the tall Birmingham welter, son of former fine pro and now respected trainer Spencer. He is a young man with a great back-story and big following.

With no amateur background, he is a work in progress and Spencer will be pleased Oscar listened to instructions and remained disciplined.

Smith’s manager, former English light-middleweight champ Adam Harper, will also be pleased with the Tewkesbury boxer’s efforts.

He shouted advice from the corner throughout, urging Smith to relax, keep his shape and step out of range.

Harper’s comments were confined to defensive tips – he didn’t urge his man to take chances.

In reality, that is the name of the game for journeymen such as Shane, who lost for the eighth time in 11 outings: he wasn’t there to rain on Oscar’s parade.

He was there to emerge unmarked, unscathed and fit enough to fight another day – this weekend, to be precise.

Harper’s non-stop commentary revealed his priority is to keep Smith healthy and earning regularly.

To that end, it was mission accomplished. Smith was never in trouble against McCracken, there were no black eyes or bruises.

For McCracken (10st 12lbs), it was another whitewash win and his ticket-selling prowess makes him a popular addition to the Midlands circuit.

He kept it long against Smith (11st 2lbs), beginning the bout behind a fine, solid jab, then firing right hands.

Oscar did get through with a left hook to the body in the second and Smith smiled after shipping a right.

Shane showed more ambition in the third. McCracken, however, kept busy and threw the right with more regularity. He connected with an uppercut in the last as Smith attempted to up the ante.

It was a no frills, few fireworks battle – and at this stage in his son’s career, that will suit Spencer. The drama can wait until after Oscar has served his apprenticeship.