Liam: Laughing all the way to the belts

Liam O’Hare (with Owen Cooper)…simply a breath of fresh air

THE game has gained quite a character in Liam O’Hare, a man who takes the sport seriously, but, refreshingly, doesn’t take himself too seriously.

The 26-year-old has a laugh as infectious as influenza.

And Liam, from Hereford, is developing into a good fighter. On Sunday, he scored his sixth straight win – and first inside distance victory - on BCB’s “Crunchtime at Lunchtime” show.

Luton’s CJ Wood fought competitively, but was halted in the fourth after being badly rocked. That was his 16th loss in a 22 bout career (two draws).

In an era when too many fledgling pros feel boasts and proclamation of greatness are a necessary part of the package, Liam approaches interviews with a disarming honesty.

Charity worker by day, he comes across as a man you’d like to share a few pints with. I hope the good folk of Hereford get behind him.

Asked how ticket-sales went for Sunday’s appearance, he responded with a laugh as loud as storm water: “Absolutely terribly. I didn’t make a penny. That’s why I’ve got to go all the way because I’m not bringing money home to pay the bills.

“I owe it to my missus and kids for all the time I’ve missed with them through training. I want to give them something back after all they’ve been through.”

I imagine O’Hare is the kind of fighter capable of testing even the immense patience of veteran – and knowledgeable – manager PJ Rowson.

Which weight division Liam competes in, for example, remains up in the air. Sunday proved a case in point.

“PJ wasn’t too impressed,” the larger-than-life boxer admitted. “It was going to be at middleweight, I said it would have to be at super-middle and I end-up weighing in one kilo (two pounds) over the middleweight division.”

The confession was followed by another belly laugh.

“It was good to get the stoppage,” he said. “I’ve been doing a lot of strength and conditioning, I’ve got a nutritionist on board and now that’s showing.”

I can’t imagine manager PJ is exactly ecstatic over the 130 mile charity ultra marathon O’Hare undertakes on August 26. He aims to run from his Hereford home to London in 48 hours.

That means any chance of Liam making a quick return to the ring has been lost. Then there’s the possibility of wear and tear during the challenge.

“It’s a really stupid time to be doing it,” Liam admitted, “but my word is my bond.

“And if I end-up with torn knee ligaments…”

It’s the stuff of managers’ nightmares.

I’m willing Liam to succeed, I want to see him on major televised shows for one reason – the interviews would be hilarious.