Keeler secures Matchroom fight date ready to grab his chance to impress with BOTH hands

LUKE Keeler plans to show Eddie Hearn what he is capable of when he has two hands at his disposal on a Matchroom show this May.

Hearn might not be returning to Dublin any time soon, but his trip to the 3 Arena last November has peaked his interest in Irish fighters. The Matchroom boss has already signed Prizefighter winner Jono Carroll and has pencilled in Declan Geraghty for a number of shows, but has now given Keeler a May date (most likely the May 9 card topped by former Irish champion Frankie Gavin and includes a Matthew Macklin clash).

Keeler already had the chance to impress his way onto the books of Matchroom when he competed in the recent Prizefighter the Middleweights contest, but exited after a close semi final. However the Dubliner injured his hand in a dominant quarter final victory, meaning he fought the majority of the tournament with one hand.

“Cool Hand’ is now ready to grab his opportunity with both hands.

“I hurt my hand after a minute of first round so couldn’t do a lot with the pain. It was swollen up badly after the first fight and I had to take bandages off. But I’ve taken positives from it and I am glad Matchroom are giving me fights to put that bad showing behind me. I am going to show what I can do with two good hands,” Keeler told Irish-boxing.com.

The ever positive Keeler isn’t too down beat about the reverse and has tried to take the positives from what he learnt on the Sky broadcast show. The Pascal Collins trained middleweight prospect is back in training after the ligament tear and is focusing on being in top shape for May. Keeler claims he found things he needs to work on and will try and iron out faults as soon as possible.

“With the tear in the ligament I haven’t been able to do much, but I am back in training this week. I have been doing pads with left and working hard so I will be in good form for May. , I learnt more in losing on Prizefighter so in that regard it is a blessing in disguise. I will work hard on my defence and developing my jab. I am just eager to get back in ring and prove better fighter than you seen in my last showing.”