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Luke Keeler calls out ‘Gangster’ Conor McGregor following sick video


Luke Keeler [17(5)-2(1)-1] has offered his services to humanity and wants to take on Conor McGregor [0-1(1)] following MMA superstar’s latest controversy.

However, rather than for purely monetary reasons, the 32-year-old revealed that there is a personal edge to his desire which he has let be known today after some rather unpalatable footage of McGregor emerged.

The short video, understood to be from April, shows McGregor seemingly striking an elderly man in the Marble Arch pub in Drimnagh.

It has been reported that the incident came after the patron in question declined an offer of McGregor’s whiskey ‘Proper 12’.

‘The Notorious’ is seen being dragged out of the Dublin 12 establishment by members of his entourage.

McGregor has been almost universally condemned following the release of the footage by U.S. agency TMZ.

The most prominent voice from the Irish boxing community has perhaps been Keeler, with the Ballyfermot middleweight alleging that a friend of his was similarly assaulted by McGregor a few years ago.

Keeler would then state his willingness to fight McGregor should the divisive Crumlin man look to re-enter the pro ring for a second time following his lucrative knockout defeat to Floyd Mayweather back in 2016.

‘Cool Hand Luke’, a qualified engineer, said that it was “sad to see [McGregor] stoop so low, did the same to a friend of mine couple of years ago and still walking around acting the gangster.”

“I’d be happy to put him in his place if he had the balls to step in a ring again.”

A two-weight champion in both the Cage Warriors and UFC promotions at featherweight [145lbs] and lightweight [155bs], McGregor is one of the highest-profile Irish sporting stars.

However, the 31-year-old’s success inside the ring has been limited recently, with his last two fights ending in stoppage defeats – to Mayweather and then back in the Octagon where he was submitted by Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Keeler, ranked #5 at middleweight [160lbs] by the WBO, is coming off a career-best win earlier this month when he outpointed Luis Arias at the Féile an Phobail in Belfast.

The MTK Global-managed and Pete Taylor-trained fighter has made significant strides over the past 18 months and could be close to a major title shot – although a major money Ballyfermot v Crumlin clash with McGregor would no doubt appeal.

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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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