Liam sets sights on a European crown
HAVING conquered Ireland, Liam O’Brien now plans to take on the world. And his mission starts next month in Belgium.
The 20-year old is set to compete for a European title in his first ever professional fight in May.
Most students will see mid-term as the perfect opportunity to relax and do as little as possible. O’Brien thinks it’s a blessing as it means for two weeks, he doesn’t have to train at ungodly hours before and after college.
He turned 20 in February and has been a K1 fighter for circa four years now. In October 2017, he claimed an Irish title which is a remarkable rise to prominence for a man that hadn’t ever stepped in a ring until he was 17.
“I think I fought for the first time after about six months of training. Maybe a bit more. I asked for it because I thought I was ready. I’d just turned 17 and I really wanted my first fight and I won by stoppage. That was it - I haven’t stopped fighting since.
“I’ve only been fighting for three years. Everything has happened quite quickly.”
O’Brien could have added to his gold two weeks after his Irish title victory. Still tender and “broke up” from his first-ever five round battle, O’Brien only managed three training sessions and lost on a split decision in the Grand Hotel in Wicklow Town as he looked to add a second belt to his collection.
It didn’t break his spirit though and before long, he accepted a fight for May 12th against Belgian national champion Soften Marzouki - the current holder of the Official IKF European Super Lightweight Senior K-1 title.
The preparations are afoot. “I’m training twice a day. I learned a lot quicker than everyone else because I’m really interested in it. I’m training twice a day, every day. I’ve been to Amsterdam for training just a couple of weeks ago with some of the best in the world.”
It was Galway man Cian McCormack that O’Brien bested for his Irish title and the Galwegian actually beat Marzouki in February but the Wicklow Town man isn’t going to get carried away by that. He has upped his schedule considerably and began preparing for his first ever pro fight which will see him ditch his shin-pads.
“I expect him to be a lot better for this one. He’s a lot more experienced. He’s been fighting without shinpads for years and this will be my first time fighting without shin-pads.
“I’ve been doing a bit of sparring without them. I think it’ll make me better. It’ll make me a lot faster and my shots will be more selective. It’s a big advantage for me I think.
“We got a call to say there was someone there and a chance of a European title if I wanted to fight. That was it - 100 per cent I said I would. It’s a big step up. It’s my first ever pro fight.
“I’m 100 per cent excited. I was the first one ever from Wicklow Martial Arts to win an Irish title - I don’t know anyone that’s done it before me. To win a European title would be crazy but that’s what I’m going there for - I’m going to win.”
O’Brien doesn’t anticipate any problems in making the 65kg weight for the battle and already has a game-plan if he can bring home the gold in May. If not, he’ll take the long road to carve out his reputation.
“The World title would obviously be the hope. It’d be a huge opportunity but I’d de- fend it at any time. If anyone wants to fight for it, come over to Ireland and I’ll fight them. I’m not going to go anywhere if I’m the champion. The world title would be the biggest stage so that’s obviously the plan.
“If I lose, there’ll still be big opportunities - especially in Ireland.
“This will be my first time leaving Ireland for a fight.
“When I come back, I plan on taking out all the biggest names in Ireland. I’ve just turned 20 and a lot of the big guys would be much older than me. It’ll be interesting.
“I would’ve been considered one of the best amateurs in Ireland. I’ve only lost twice I think and I had some really good fights with some of the best lads at my weight. The opportunity was there and they were looking for a kick-boxer. I’d like to think I was the right one for the opportunity. “
His fight in May has been made possible by his sponsors and his team.
Protein Power will be his main sponsor, with Phil Healy’s Pub and The Hearty Hut also contributing.
Manager Una Lynch and head trainer Simon Alvey head up his personal team.