Former Hook & Jab fighter O’Rourke lifted the world heavyweight hybrid boxing belt on Torquay’s World Boxing League show organised by promoter Lee Sibley.
The 22-year-old, who floored Chard-based Brendon Moore after only 36 seconds, stepped in after several opponents withdrew.
He has since been amazed at the reaction to his stunning title success, with so many people asking for a photograph with him, and he has confirmed his first defence will be in Warrington early in the new year.
“Like a lot of things in boxing getting to compete for the title wasn’t straightforward,” said O’Rourke.
“Several boxers pulled out and then my name was next on the list.
“I’ve previously won 18 unlicensed fights with 16 by knockout and some possible opponents were nervous of fighting me.
“The fight when it came was short-lived as I deliberately backed myself onto the ropes to lure in my opponent.
“I then knocked him out with one very powerful punch and this after just 36 seconds. It’s my style.
“The smaller gloves in hybrid boxing make such a punch devastating. Within a minute Brendan was on the canvas, and I was celebrating my win. The crowd went wild.”
Conor O’Rourke stands over Brendon Moore after flooring him with a left hook(Image: Freddie Fryer)
The hybrid version of the sport has the same rules as traditional gloved boxing except that bouts are fought in four-ounce MMA gloves, rather than 10-12 ounce boxing gloves.
Born and bred Warringtonian and licensed doorman O’Rourke explained how he first got involved.
“My twin brother and I were playing rugby in the same team,” he said.
“I decided aged 12 to give boxing a go. I started out at Hook & Jab. There’s no family history in the sport and my family was apprehensive about full contact bouts.
“I took to it like a duck to water and won my first bout by knockout which has become my fight signature.”
He added: “Hybrid boxing has a great future and suits my style.
“Bare knuckle is also growing in popularity, but you can’t punch too hard as you risk breaking your hands which can end a career.”
WATCH CONOR O’ROURKE DECK BRENDON MOORE WITH DEVASTATING PUNCH:
His support is growing and defending his crown in his hometown promises to be a great occasion.
“I took 20 supporters to Torquay. I’m grateful to them as it’s a long way but the reaction since coming home has been amazing.
“Complete strangers approaching me for autographs and photos. I’m now looking forward to defending this title here in Warrington on a massive boxing show on January 31.
“Everyone’s talking about the fight and the knockout. The list of sponsors is growing by the day. I was in the market and a fruit and veg stall owner offered me a deal. Like I say it’s crazy.”
Contact O’Rourke on Facebook at Conor O’Rourke or via Instagram @ace.boxing_ or e-mail conororourke123@gmail.com for further information about sponsorship or to get tickets for what he describes as ‘Warrington’s new year fight mega-show.’