An MMA fighter who was previously on the run now hopes that an upcoming fight "could pave the way for greatness".
Shaqueme ‘Shem’ Rock, 29 from Liverpool 8, spent six years on the run before he was finally acquitted of the crime. He has now signed a four-fight deal with Czech Republic’s Octagon brand.
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He said: "I want to repay all the people, my friends and family, Paddy Pimblet and Molly McCann, for keeping the faith in me and supporting me - I want to win the biggest titles to show them they were right for believing in me.”
In 2014, Shem’s face was on Crimewatch and on the big screens around Liverpool’s City Centre. Today, the promoters of Octagon are about to put his face on the big screens in Bratislava for different reasons as he prepares to take on Czech star Marek Bahnik in a fight that’s one step away from a world title opportunity.
Shem is due to fight in Bratislava on Saturday, April 29 in a key fight that "could pave the way for greatness" as he continues his aim to become Pro World Champion in the UFC. A good friend of Paddy 'The Baddy' and 'Meatball' Molly, Shem is another top talent to emerge from Liverpool.
Wanted for aggravated burglary along with his cousin, despite not being present at the time of the crime, Shem had to flee Liverpool and head to Malaysia. Having always been a fan of the UFC, Shem started training and eventually became one of the top fighters there and made the cut for ONE Championship’s Warrior Series in Thailand.
Shem added: “When I first started fighting in Malaysia I was getting tapped out by women and people in their 50s but I developed quickly. I began competing properly and was beating everyone in every region. I went to Thailand for the ONE Championship’s television series and was successful alongside Stamp Fairtex (Thai kickboxer and mixed martial artist) but I was on the run and the phone call came in soon enough.”
Shem was remanded in custody for six months at HMP Liverpool in Walton before facing a trial “that lasted just 15 minutes”. Shem was found not guilty. Today, Shem is more determined than ever to achieve success at the highest level. Having just signed with a new brand, Shem knows this could be “the stepping stone” he needs to do so.
In addition to training full-time, Shem is also working with CELLS, a police project that aims to get “troubled kids on the right path”. Through this scheme, Shem believes he can be a major influence on local teenagers.
He added: “It’s great to be working with CELLS to help inspire kids who are on the wrong path. The next stage for me is to become as big as I can be in the sport, to win world titles, and then one day open my own centres that get kids off the streets and into the gym. I had a troubled past but MMA has taught me discipline, and respect and given me something to focus on. It’s saved my life.”
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