Coach Collins cools Keeler-Cruise chatter

Much to the excitement of Irish boxing fans, it looked like a done deal. People were getting excited about Luke Keeler and Darren Cruise trading leather for the Irish middleweight title in Dublin this Summer.

The pair seemed to have agreed to fight on Red Corner’s next promotion and even went as far as to agree a winner takes all dust up.

However, Keeler’s manager and coach claims his charge’s next move has yet to be decided.

Paschal Collins will be in London this weekend as Mayo favourite Ray Moylette makes his pro debut and, while there, he will meet with the Ballyfermot fighter’s promoters Matchroom to see what they want, and will allow, for Keeler next.

The Celtic Warrior Gym has already got word from Eddie Hearn that the Matchroom boss would like Keeler and Spike O’Sullivan to bolster their proposed Belfast card. Hearn is looking to bring Burnett home in a World title fight and has discussed possible May dates, Collins hopes to get confirmation this weekend and only then will he plot what is next for Keeler.

“All I know about Luke versus Cruise is what I read on your site today,” Collins told Irish-Boxing.com.

“Luke has just had a tough fight and has a cut we have to monitor. At this moment in time we have no plans regarding the near future. First of all we have to wait to see what Luke’s promoters have to say. I will be in London this weekend and I will find out what Matchroom want for him next.”

“I know they want to bring Ryan Burnett to Belfast and Eddie has told me he wants Spike and Luke on that show. Matchroom are Luke’s promoters so we have to see what they say.”

Keeler has headlined both Red Corner Promotions shows, and it is a relationship which Collins would like to continue. The Dublin coach even suggested the possibility of two fight dates in the near future for Cool Hand Luke.

“We have worked with Red Corner and they have done two great shows, but that was a fight by fight basis and the bottom line is we have to consult with Matchroom. The talk is Red Corner are going again in June or July and Matchroom have said April or May for Belfast so maybe we can do both.”

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