Dreghorn's Liam Shields on Thai boxing experience and future plans

Liam Shields, who was born and raised in Dreghorn, spoke about his time in Asia in an uncut interview on YouTube with ‘WorldOfBoxing’ host Craig Simeon.

Liam’s switch from orthodox boxing came during lockdown and the switch to Thai boxing is certainly one he has not regretted.

He has only had two fights so far though not many people with that level of experience can say they have fought in Thailand itself already.

Liam explained how he initially planned to go out sooner, though delayed things after his first fight here in Scotland - then after the passing of his father.

He continued: “I thought, am I going to give this a good go, or am I going to stay here in a daft town just training on a Tuesday and Thursday.

“So I looked up tickets, saved up a bit of money, then told them at work - ‘look, I’m going to Thailand next week’.”

And that is exactly what Liam did, he booked a ticket out, and began training out of a gym in Bangkok.

Soon enough he was offered a fight, though Liam could not imagine just how big it would be.

He fought at Rajamangala Stadium - Thailand’s national stadium - only a night after it hosted a massive boxing event.

Liam commented: “I thought, how have I blagged this.”

He trained hard, and fought well against an experienced Moroccan fighter, but despite hitting him with some massive blows he eventually lost the fight.

Though the loss hasn’t put him off - and now he has aspirations of continuing Thai boxing as a career.

Now home in Scotland, Liam has two fights in March and April in Paisley, and has dreams of taking things much further.

He said: “This is my career, I know it is, this is what I will do for the rest of my life.

“This is all I think about from when I wake up until I go to bed - all I think about is Thai boxing.”

If you are interested in hearing more from Liam, his full interview with WorldOfBoxing is available to watch online at youtube.com/watch?v=fGqOxqEH1XA.