Headline News

Luke Keeler aims to continue climbing ladder as summer World Title hope extinguished


Luke Keeler [16(5)-2(1)-1] received a rather substantial rankings boost but the Dubliner’s chances of fighting for a world title in his next bout have gone from relatively slim to none.

‘Cool Hand’ had thrown name into the mix when it appeared WBO middleweight champion  Demetrius Andrade was looking for a June opponent. 

The 31-year-old two-weight champion was due to make the second defence of his title this summer against Maciej Sulecki only for the Polish puncher’s place in the fight being in doubt due to a hand injury.

READ: Keeler calls for World Title shot

With Sulecki’s status unsure, the then #11-ranked Keeler speculatively put his name forward and, with most of the Top 15 having other plans, looked to have an outside chance.

However, it is being reported that the clash between Andrade and Sulecki has been agreed for a Matchroom USA show on July 28th.

Keeler won’t be overly disappointed by the news – indeed, the past couple of months have underlined the Irishman’s ambitions

It was recently confirmed that the Ballyfermot boxer has risen to #7 in the WBO ladder having reclaimed the organisation’s European rankings belt. This came after a punishing rematch win over Conrad Cummings in Belfast last month in what was technically an eliminator.

Keeler had elected to take this fight over a clash with noted U.S. name Gabriel Rosado, feeling the need to ease himself back in after a period of injury.

Now firing on all cylinders, the Pete Taylor-trained pro is keen on the fight with Rosado – who lost to Sulecki in a de-facto final eliminator last month.

Giving an update on social media, 31-year-old Keeler said that “I’m back training twice a day under the best in the business Pete Taylor and ready to keep improving and driving up the ladder. Fight news soon.”

dpg

logo may

Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

x