Luke Keeler defeats Conrad Cummings In Belfast

By David Boyle, at the Ulster Hall Belfast: One could have been forgiven for thinking that when Luke Keeler won the European Middleweight Title against fellow Irishman Conrad Cummings nearly a year ago, that he would move onto the big stage. However, on front of a raucous crowd in Belfast, the Dubliner found himself in a groundhog situation, having to battle a determined Cummings once again, for a chance to move his career to the next level.

From the beginning Conrad equipped himself well, trying to counterpunch Keeler which lead to the first two rounds being closely contested. All changed however, in the third round when a large cut opened above cummings eyes, leaving him battered and bloody after a vicious assault by Keeler. This point tipped the fight in Keeler’s favour and the fourth round there was another solid round for the Dubliner as he walked the Northern Irishman down while landing clean right lands and left hooks.

In the fifth round Cummings revived himself and walked forward throwing overhand shots gamely. With Keeler having instructions to stand his ground both men traded punches in the sixth session

The seventh round was telling in how the fight would finish as again Cummings pushed Keeler back only to walk onto strong counter right hands and then having to retreat closing out the round.

From the eighth round onwards the theme of the fight was Cummings trying his hardest for success by walking forward with his guard high. Keeler proved to be the better boxer and calmly picked his shots to have great success until closing out the show. Keeler became the new European Middleweight champion once again and hooking up with his new coach Pete Taylor and going full time has clearly benefited the Dubliner.

Moving into the top 15 in the world, we can only hope he gets the backing to pursue a world title shot in the near future.