Irish champion welcomes ‘Last Man Standing’ challenge

Irish middleweight champion Luke Keeler [13(5)-2(1)] has backed the new ‘Ireland’s Last Man Standing’ tournament, and confirmed that he is willing to fight the winner of the eight-man rumble next March.

Red Corner and Assassin Promotions announced the middleweight competition, the first of many, this week – with €25,000 going to the winner of the Prizefighter-style tournament as well as €5,000 to their amateur club.

The show at the National Stadium on Saturday March 3rd looks set to secure Irish terrestrial television backing, and the winner on the night will become mandatory challenger for the Irish title – with the plan being for them to fight for the belt in the chief support bout on the following Last Man Standing card.

Ballyfermot puncher Keeler has backed the format, noting its potential impact for up-and-coming fighters – as well as the interest and intrigue it brings for fans both hardcore and casual alike.

The Dublin 30 year old told Irish-Boxing.com that “Ithink it’s a great idea and amazing exposure for the fighters involved with terrestrial TV onboard.”

“The ten pound weight swing [fighters must weigh in between 165 and 155lbs] is a an advantage for the super middleweights but, at same time, over three rounds lighter guys could pick up rounds with quickness.”

“It will be very interesting and a show will be sure to sell out.”

Keeler, of course, has experience of such a format, having competed in Prizefighter middleweights back in 2015. Here he was defeated in the semi-finals by Tom Doran.

‘Cool Hand Luke’ had injured his hand in his quarter-final win over Luke Crowcroft, and the removal of his gloves in between fights led to rapid swelling and all sorts of problems.

Keeler knows that, with the fast-paced nature of the night, that there can be plenty of drama, and notes how “after fighting in a Prizefighter I’ve seen that anything can happen and not always best fighters win the tournaments as over three rounds.”

“I’m not against idea at all and it’s kind of a no-lose situation for the fighters entering as a loss over three rounds won’t be looked at too much in your record. ”

The Irish champion recently signed with management outfit Mack The Knife Global, thus making domestic dust-ups with the likes of new stablemates Conrad Cummings and Alfredo Meli all the more likely once he returns from shoulder surgery rehabilitation.

However, Keeler is not ruling out a defence of his title, acknowledging the enormity of terrestrial TV.

The former St Matthews and Crumlin amateur admitted that his goal is to “get into world rankings and, with the backing of MTK, I have the option, with regular shows, to take that avenue.”

“Yeah [a defence v Last Man Standing winner] would definitely interest me, especially with the exposure from the show, fighting winner be huge fight.”

“I’d love to fight on Katie Taylor’s undercard at the 3Arena for the likes of the IBF European title but, if that doesn’t clas, I’d more than happily fight the winner.”

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)