De La Lawyer’s fight backed by legal firm

Oscar McCracken…goes for win number three at Holiday Inn

OSCAR McCracken’s fight on Friday has received coverage in an unlikely publication, a publication not noted for its boxing articles. The Law Gazette, a must read for solicitors.

Other fighters enter the ring with the names of building firms and bars on their shorts – Black Country prospect Shaun Cooper was sponsored by a scratchings manufacturer, I recall.

McCracken will sport the name of a legal firm on his ring attire when takes part in fight number three at Birmingham Airport’s Holiday Inn.

That’s because the 25-year-old is the only lawyer boxing professionally: hence the inspired nickname, Oscar “De La Lawyer” McCracken. Actually, he’s a trainee lawyer, but a journalist doesn’t let the facts get in the way of a good story.

This week’s four rounder is being sponsored by the company he works for, mfg Solicitors. And fellow workers should end the night celebrating another win for McCracken, part of one of Birmingham’s most famous fighting families. He’s managed by dad Spencer Snr – a top pro – at McCracken’s Gym and uncle Robbie was a British champ and world title challenger before becoming a top coach.

In the opposite corner will be Shane Smith, from Tewkesbury, who has won two of 10 (one draw). He’ll face a wall of noise generated by Oscar’s huge fanbase.

McCracken is on a unique journey. As he put it: “I’m doing something that has never been done before. In this day and age, doing something that has never been done before is pretty amazing.”

He’s also a young man spinning a lot of plates. As well as pursuing legal and boxing careers, the 6ft welter recently became a dad. “It’s been difficult to balance everything,” Oscar admitted. “But I have a good family. You can’t cut corners, I have to be as good as I can possibly be. On Friday, I’ll be confident and aggressive from the off.”

Oscar gives me the lowdown at Sunday’s Midlands awards dinner

And Oscar certainly doesn’t get any preferential treatment in the family gym. Spencer is a hard taskmaster. “I’m lucky,” Oscar said. “I know my dad has my best interests and safety as a priority 24/7.”

Of the sponsorship deal with mfg Solicitors, he added: “It means so much that the firm has chosen to support me for my next fight. Boxing is in my blood, but I’m also committed to having a successful legal career and I’m loving my training contract so far. To have the backing from all my colleagues at mfg Solicitors really does make it extra special for me. I couldn’t be happier to be part of such a fantastic firm.”

Clare Lang, partner at mfg Solicitors said: “Oscar has made a big impact since he joined us last year and is showing real promise. We love that he has such a unique story and we are all fully behind his boxing career.”

“Sponsoring his next fight is a part of our support for him and we can’t wait to watch him extend his unbeaten record.”

The company, which has an office in Birmingham, has something other firms do not – the country’s only boxing brief.