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Conrad Cummings claims things will be different in Luke Keeler rematch


Conrad Cummings [16(7)-2(0)-1] claims things will be very different this time round.

The Coalisland native rematches Luke Keeler [15(5)-2(1)-1] at the Ulster Hall on Friday March 29th and believes, unlike their April encounter which was broadcast live on BT Sport, he will have his hand raised this time around.

The Tyrone man ended up on the wrong side of a wide points defeat on the undercard of Frampton versus Donaire last year but is adamant he has made the improvements needed to defeat the Dubliner come late March.

Indeed, he believes he will show his true capabilities in the return following what he has described as an ‘off night’ due to unspecified issues outside of the ring.

The former strong amateur promised that “I’m certain it’ll be different this time around. I lost fair and square against him before and I don’t need to go into why.”

“On March 29, I’ll show what I’m really about,” Cummings, who has been accused of making excuses by Keeler, added.

READ: Luke Keeler annoyed by constant excuses from Conrad Cummings

The improvements needed to secure the win and retain the title in a bill-topping repeat come from more time in the gym with former Irish champion Jamie Moore, argues the 27-year-old.

Cummings felt he put on the best performance of his career last time out when he won the WBO European title, which Keeler had vacated, versus Hungarian light middleweight late replacement Ferenc Berki.

‘Mr Dynamite’ was controlled that night as he scored a 99-90, 98-91, 95-94 win and feels he has finally clicked with Moore.

Cummings outlined how “I’ve changed lots and made major improvements since that [Keeler] defeat. I’m now settled in with my trainer Jamie Moore and I’m looking forward to putting what we’ve been working on into practice,” he continued before echoing Keeler’s great atmosphere prediction.

The VIP Gym man, who was favourite for the first bout, has promised to pay back his fans with a win in the rematch and described how “the atmosphere on the night will be electric. It was loud last time but it’ll be double this time.”

“My supporters have stood by me and this win will be for them as much as it will be for me.”

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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

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