Oscar McCracken - professional boxing’s only Battling Brief!

Oscar McCracken…makes his debut at the Holiday Inn on May 25

IF they gave belts for the most innovative ring name, Oscar McCracken – professional boxing’s only lawyer – would have one before even making his debut.

Oscar “DaLawyer” McCracken. Genius! I wish I’d thought of that, but given time I’ll claim responsibility.

“That’s down to my dad,” laughed the 24-year-old welter who’ll make his paid bow on Tommy Owens’ show at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport, on May 25.

Dad is Spencer McCracken Snr, former quality pro turned top trainer, part of a very famous Birmingham fight family. Uncle Robbie is a former British light-middleweight champ who has coached the very best at amateur and pro level. Max, also a former pro, trains big names, too.

Oscar’s ring story is a bit of a Rocky tale in reverse.

Rather than coming from nothing, the country’s only boxing brief emerged from the University of Worcester with a first class honours degree in law. Oscar took his Masters in law and business, completed his all-important legal practice course, has worked in construction and real estate and just netted a training contract with a top legal firm.

After two years with the company, “DaLawyer” will emerge a fully qualified solicitor.

That’s a long way from the usual boxing background.

“The biggest thing my dad regretted about his boxing career was not having a back-up,” said Oscar. “With me, being quite academic, I thought I’d apply myself in law.”

Spencer certainly made sure his son had a back-up…and then some.

Add to the mix the fact Oscar, who lives in Shirley, has no amateur boxing experience and his partner is a research nurse. She’s understandably a little “anxious” about his ring career.

Not surprisingly, Boxing Board of Control top brass were taken aback when Oscar came before them for his pro licence.

“One said, ‘how are you going to do a training contract with a legal firm and box at the same time?’, Oscar said. “I thought, ‘that’s a question that hasn’t been asked before’. But for the last year I’ve been working for a high profile law firm and training.

“I don’t think there’s ever been a professional boxer who was a successful solicitor.”

Dream team…Jaykae, Spencer Snr, Oscar and Spencer Jnr

He may not have an amateur background, but Oscar stressed he’s been around the blood and bruises game all his life. McCracken’s Gym, run by dad, brother Spencer Jnr and rapper Jaykae, is base for some of the Second City’s finest fighters, including former Commonwealth light-fly champ Matt Windle.

“I grew up around boxing,” said Oscar. “From the age of 14-15, I’ve been sparring top professional boxers.

“I didn’t box as an amateur because I never liked amateur boxing, I didn’t like the style. My dad has always trained professional boxers and this is something I’ve always wanted to do. If I hadn’t gone to university and concentrated on law, this is something I would’ve done years ago.

“The time is right and I have all the experience I picked up along the way.”

Oscar wants his fighting style to mirror his dad Spencer and uncle Robbie’s ring techniques.

“My dad says I’m aggressive and wants to turn me into a box fighter,” Oscar said. “I’ve been sparring really good amateurs to get that.

“I’d like to be a mix between my old man and Robbie – my goal is to get both their styles.  It’s going to be hard to emulate them because they were both very, very good boxers.”

Tickets are flying for DaLawyer’s first fight – and he says there’ll be few pre-fight nerves.

“I’ve been in so many changing rooms, I’ve been in the game since I was a child, I think it will just be pure enjoyment.

“People think I’m mad, but why would I not do this with all the professional expertise and set-up around me?

“I just can’t wait to walk to that ring and see the fans.”