HEREFORD boxer Liam O’Hare is preparing to step up to his first six-round professional fight this weekend.

O’Hare was a ballet dancer growing up and went to Elmhurst Ballet School before deciding it was not for him.

However, after returning to the traditional school education system O’Hare was bullied and took up boxing.

“It was a good change and I knew boxing was really for me,” said O’Hare.

After moving to Hereford two years ago to be with his girlfriend professional boxer O’Hare is now proud to call the city his home.

“Ever since I moved here everybody has been friendly and I’ve really enjoyed my time.”

O’Hare has had a successful start to his boxing career winning three fights and will compete in his first six round bout on Saturday at Eastside Rooms in Birmingham.

He is expecting big support from Hereford residents and is arranging transport from Merton Meadow for the fight.

“I’m looking to maintain my unbeaten record,” added O’Hare.

“I recently quite my full-time job to focus on my boxing and now work part-time.”

O’Hare will donate his purse from the fight towards Herefordshire Minds.

“The charity means a lot to me as I’ve got a few friends who have past away in the last few years,” he added.

“I also struggled with my mental health but boxing really helped to pull me back out of it.”

O’Hare has been supported by businesses: Muscle Mechanic Sports Massage; DKL Plastering; Elite Performance; Studio K Hairdressing; furniture.co.uk; Prince’s Meals on Wheels and Monnow Ballet School.