It is commonly believed that becoming a professional boxer requires a distinct personality. However, one would be considered even more exceptional if they could establish a highly respected profession as a qualified solicitor, without the need for physical combat.
Introducing Oscar McCracken, the latest member to join the super-welterweight division.
McCracken’s professional journey will commence this Saturday night (May 24) at the Holiday Road Inn, Birmingham Airport. This significant event will take place on a Tommy Owens card, showcasing five thrilling fights.
Many boxing enthusiasts will be intrigued by the surname of the 24-year-old. In 1999 and 2000, his father and trainer Spencer competed for IBO and British welterweight titles. Additionally, his Uncle “Robbie” McCracken achieved the esteemed status of a world middleweight title challenger in 2000, although he was defeated by WBC champion Keith Holmes. Presently, he is renowned for training world champions and leading Team GB to triumph at the Olympic Games.
“I’ve been around the game as long as I can remember. It’s always been boxing, boxing, boxing,” Oscar tells Boxing News.
For over two decades, my father has been coaching professional athletes, including my uncle. Growing up, I was constantly surrounded by professional fighters and started sparring with them during my teenage years, which naturally shaped my fighting style to be that of a professional.
“I’ve always had a distaste for amateurs and never had any intention of pursuing it,” he states. “It may seem strange considering Robbie’s success with Team GB, but the style it imposed just didn’t resonate with me. I prefer a more combative approach and have always gravitated towards the professional style. Consequently, my focus has always been on sparring with professionals and acquiring knowledge through that avenue.”
I likely didn’t pursue a career in amateur boxing because it’s an incredibly tough sport. It’s important to have a safety net in place. When I was 18, I was excelling in the gym, sparring with both professional and amateur boxers. I expressed my desire to my father about turning professional, and he responded, “That’s fine, but make sure you have something to fall back on.” Consequently, I decided to apply to study law at university during that period. This decision set me on an unexpected and exciting path.
A single click on his LinkedIn bio exhibits the remarkable journey he has embarked on.
In 2020, I obtained a First Class LLB Law with Honours degree from the University of Worcester.
In 2022, I completed the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and also obtained an LLM in Law and Business from the University of Law in Birmingham.
I have vast experience in Dispute Resolution, Real Estate and construction law having also gained experience in the Middle East.
I am fluent in Spanish and I have a passion for boxing as my family run a professional boxing gym.
Having multiple talents is truly impressive, and McCracken intends to utilize his years of studying to continue his involvement in boxing even after retiring. However, one might wonder why he would choose to be a fighter. While the legal profession has its own set of challenges, controversies, and individuals one may prefer to avoid, getting punched in the face is not typically part of the job description.
However, McCracken’s life has taken a different turn. His passion for boxing predates his backup plan. It runs in his family, but there is a deeper connection beyond genetics. At some point, you must be mesmerized or enchanted by something you witness. It didn’t take long for McCracken’s desire to fight to emerge.
McCracken states that the individuals surrounding them adhere to traditional values and believe in the importance of earning everything one achieves. They personally embody this mindset as well.
When I was younger and used to visit gyms and witness people sparring, I would be around 12 or 13 years old, and I would eagerly say, “Let me join in. I want to participate and I am capable of it.” It’s difficult to put into words, but I always had a strong desire to engage in it. There was never a question of not doing it. The legal circumstances have only temporarily postponed my involvement, but in a way, they have also made the timing ideal.
Both McCracken’s father and uncle achieved recognition in the professional ranks.
“You wouldn’t believe it, but everything has fallen into place perfectly for me to do this. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve always had a passion for training, going to the gym, and being involved with the guys. I’ve witnessed countless journeys, where I’ve seen individuals start with nothing and achieve greatness, or the other way around. I’ve seen people become world champions and then unexpectedly lose to an underdog, leaving me wondering how that happened. It’s a wild sport, but it was always a definite goal for me to pursue.”
Education has played a significant role in Oscar’s life, but he is not venturing into the professional ranks without prior knowledge. He has accumulated a range of distinct experiences that have shaped him. From his early teenage years and onwards, he has engaged in sparring sessions with journeymen, top amateurs, and champions, allowing him to familiarize himself with a multitude of fighting styles. As he begins his own career, he is expected to achieve numerous victories.
Despite interest from promoters, McCracken told BN he isn’t interested in signing with anyone just yet. He’s happy to ply his trade wherever and whenever as long as he is kept busy. And with an A-Z of contacts and connections the McCrackens have, he looks likely to have a busy second half of 2024.
However, McCracken concedes that boxing is not a necessity for him.
“This is the undeniable truth. I am willingly placing myself in this position because of my genuine passion and love for it. Fighting is something I deeply enjoy. I do not rely on this game for anything, but rather, I am driven by my desire to conquer it. This is what sets me apart from nearly every other boxer.”
“I have an immense passion for combat and thoroughly enjoy the training process. It’s a fortunate circumstance that my father resides in close proximity to me, as he serves as my coach around the clock. There is never a moment of respite for me. Whether it’s accompanying me on early morning runs at six-thirty or seven-thirty, or leading the way on his bicycle, my father ensures his presence and support. He even makes a point to listen for the sound of my front door opening and closing.”
Nowadays, social media has become an essential tool for those involved in the boxing world, especially fighters. Although the terms “profile” and “content” may evoke discomfort for some, boxers increasingly rely on gaining followers, likes, retweets, and similar engagement to enhance their reputation. This online presence not only helps sell tickets but also holds the potential of securing significant fights in the future.
If you’re new to the social media scene of the sport, check out McCracken’s Instagram profile at Oscar.mccracken1. You’ll find a truly exceptional boxing nickname beneath his own name, possibly the finest one to have emerged in recent years.
Oscar “De La Lawyer” McCracken.
McCracken’s story commences with the phrase, “In the Cayman Islands, I was.”
Matt Windle was in the midst of defending his title as the Commonwealth [light-flyweight champion]. Although I won’t delve into all the intricate details, there were a few legal hiccups that caught my attention while I was there, adding a touch of excitement to the whole experience.
After an unexpected event, I found myself engaged in a conversation with the promoters. Out of nowhere, my dad spontaneously came up with a nickname that caused the entire room to burst into laughter. Everyone agreed that it was the perfect choice, so I decided to go with it.
Oscar was indeed named after boxing’s most renowned Oscar of all time, De La Hoya.
