Irish middleweights have their say on Keeler v Cruise
Tomorrow night sees one of the most high profile Irish title fights of recent times.
Headlining the Red Corner Promotions ‘For Honour and Pride’ bill will be a middleweight green belt battle between Dubliner Luke Keeler [12(5)-2(1)] and Roscommon’s Darren Cruise [7(1)-5(0)].
Keeler, ranked 3rd at the weight by the Boxing Union of Ireland, is looking to win his first Irish title, amateur or pro, and bolster his European ranking. #8-ranked Cruise is in the shape of his life and is looking to cause an upset following his narrow defeat to super middleweight champion JJ McDonagh last year.
Irish-Boxing.com reached out to all the middleweights from this island for predictions and here is what the fighters had to say.
Andy Lee
Limerick
35(24)-3(2)-1
BUI Rank #1
I’m going with Keeler, I’ve only saw bits of Cruise, he looks like a decent boxer but I believe Keeler is a better operator, he looks more polished. Fair play to both lads, it has the makings of a great Irish title fight. I’m sure both lads won’t to give an inch but I think Keeler’s better technique will be the difference between the two boxers.
Spike O’Sullivan
Cork
25(17)-2(1)
BUI Rank #2
I believe Luke will win one way or another for sure. If i was to put money down i’d be putting it on a mid-to-late stoppage. Luke has prepared really well and is in very good condition.
Conrad Cummings
Tyrone
11(5)-1(0)-1
BUI Rank #6
It should be a good exciting fight, two nice fellas, no trash talk and going to go at it come fight night and give their all. It’s refreshing. I predict a good, hard, close ten rounds with Keeler nicking it on points, he will have learned from his mistakes previously. Best wishes to them both.
Connor Coyle
Derry
5(2)-0
BUI Rank #9
No problem. I haven’t ever seen Cruise box, and I’ve sparred with Luke. Going from what I’ve sparred and with Luke’s record, I’d go with Luke on the Irish middleweight title. Then I’ll have to meet the winner down the line once I get out of these 6 rounders now
Chris Blaney
Meath
6(3)-0
BUI Rank #3 (at super middleweight)
I think it’s a great fight. I think Luke is a better boxer and should win, but Darren looks in good shape for this. I see it going the distance and lUke just nicking it. At the end of the day though, whoever wins it, they will be keeping it warm for me!
Sean McGlinchey
Derry
2(0)-0
BUI Rank #4 (at super middleweight)
I would say Luke will take it on points.
The card on Saturday also features an Irish title fight at light heavy between Stevie Collins and Paddy McDonagh, as well as appearances from Chris Blaney, Ray Moylette, Allan Phelan, Victor Rabei,, Thomas Finnegan, and Craig O’Brien.
Tickets for the June 24th show cost €40 (general) and €60 (ringside) and are available from the boxers involved.
