Luke Keeler made a successful return to the ring tonight on his Matchroom debut in Leeds. The power-punching Dublin middleweight, who has been out of the ring since February, had a points win over tough Englishman Jason Ball.

Keeler fought in 6-round contest at the First Direct Arena as part of the undercard to Josh Warrington’s Commonwealth featherweight title defence against Aussie Joel Brunker. ‘Cool Hand Luke’ was a level above ‘Daddy Cool,’ and outpointed the Doncaster man in an entertaining fight. Ball, who’s record does not do him justice, could only manage a share of one round with the superior Irishman, with the final scorecard reading 60-55.

Keeler had previously impressed Matchroom head honcho Eddie Hearn when he fought on the undercard of the ‘Return of the Mack’ show in Dublin last November. After a first round KO in the 3Arena, the Ballyfermot boxer was rewarded with a slot in Prizefighter on Valentine’s Night. Keeler was unfortunate to be eliminated in Blackpool after injuring his hand early in his first fight. Hearn however, was sufficiently impressed to offer the Dubliner a contract, and Keeler certainly showed signs tonight in Yorkshire to suggest that this was a wise choice by Hearn.

With the win, 28 year old Keeler improves his record to 9(5)-1(0), while Ball’s ledger falls to 9(5)-20(3)-1.

The Celtic Warriors fighter’s attention will now almost immediately turn to his next fight, on November 7th in Liverpool’s Echo Arena as part of the undercard of ‘Who’s Fooling Who? – Callum Smith-Rocky Fielding.’