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Brian Rose fight offers potential “redemption” for Conrad Cummings


Things have a funny way of working out in boxing and things may be falling into place for Conrad Cummings [15(7)-2(0)-1].

The Tyrone middleweight was decisively defeated by Luke Keeler back in April and his future plans looked unsure. A rematch with the Dubliner was unlikely while a mooted British title tilt versus Mark Heffron seemed ill-advised.

Now Cummings has a big headline fight in Belfast on Friday December 7th against a recognisable name, a very winnable match-up, and one which offers a path to a warranted Keeler rematch.

It was confirmed on Friday night that Keeler is out of his clash with Brian Rose [30(8)-5(3)-1] at the York Hall on December 14th and some jiggling around means that the English boxer will now travel to Belfast one week beforehand to take on Cummings.

The WBO European middleweight has been vacated by Keeler [15(5)-2(1)-1] on the condition that he faces the winner of the ‘King of the Celts’ bill-topper in the new year.

For Cummings it is a chance to reclaim the belt he held last year as well as set up a rematch with the one man he feels truly beat him – with his first career loss to Ronnie Mittag being controversial to say the least.

‘Mr Dynamite’ said that “I’m very grateful, very thankful for the opportunity.”

“I had a bad night in April, it’s history. I had lots going on in my life but, no excuse, the better man won on the night but it’s history now.”

“I’m absolutely thrilled. This is a chance at redemption and to show what I’m really about.”

In Rose, 27-year-old Cummings faces the biggest ‘name’ of his career.

The Blackpool veteran had been out of the ring since March 2017 but returned on Friday night in a warm-up, edging past journeyman Alastair Wheeler at the Victoria Warehouse in Manchester.

Cummings was ringside for the one-point win and joined 33-year-old Rose afterwards for a head-to-head.

It was all smiles between the Irishman and the former World light middleweight title challenger and Cummings would admit that “I’m very excited.”

“I’ve a lot of respect for this man, he’s been to pinnacle of the sport, the highest stage, and he’s going to bring the best out of me and the fans are going to be the winners here, roll on, can’t wait.”

“Fair play to Rose – he’s fought at world level and he’s a big name but this is a fight I’m going to win.”

“This one doesn’t need any hype or trash talk. What a fucking fight this will be!”

Bigger, younger, sharper, and at home, Cummings believes he will come out on top next month.

“I think I’ve got a lot advantages,” he outlined.

“I’m a big, strong middleweight at 27 and I’m hungry. I’ve a big chance here and Rose is not going to stop me. This is my home territory.”

“It’s going to be buzzing in there on the night. My support will be right behind me because this is a big fight. It’s a real roll of the dice and roll on December 7. Guess who’s back?!”

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Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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