Cummings believes he doesn’t “need” Keeler fight – but is ready to impress Uncle Eddie
Conrad Cummings [12(5)-1(0)-1] claims that, unlike Luke Keeler, he doesn’t need the proposed all Irish match up – but is tempted by the chance to impress ‘uncle Eddie’.
Both Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn and Katie Taylor’s manager Brian Peters have suggested that an exciting Tyrone versus Dublin middleweight clash would fit perfectly on the undercard of the proposed Katie Taylor April homecoming at the 3Arena.
Keeler [13(5)-2(1)] last week told Irish-Boxing.com he has agreed to the fight and while Cummings claims he is willing and able, he suggests he has options.
In fact ‘Mr.Dynamite’ believes that as the #14-ranked middleweight in the World with the WBO, Irish champion Keeler doesn’t have much to tempt him into the ring and as a result believes there is a ‘it has to make sense’ element to the bout.
In saying that, there is one big thing that might tempt the Jamie Moore trained operator into fighting his new MTK stablemate. Just like Keeler impressed the Matchroom chief when Matthew Macklin brought boxing back to the 3Arena in 2014, Cummings feels he could impress his way onto the big promotional company’s books with an impressive performance.
Asked what was he initial impression after hearing Hearn had named dropped him alongside Keeler as a potential April foe, Cummings told Irish-boxing.com “I thought ‘if it makes sense, Uncle Eddie, I’m ready and willing to go’.”
However he did move to clarify a few things and strengthen his negotiating hand.
“Luke is a good fighter he is in the mix in a very busy and talented bunch of Irish middleweights but, to be honest I don’t need the Luke Keeler fight where I feel he does.”
“So it would have to make sense in a couple ways. I’m the one with the WBO European title and world ranking – I could choose to go down that route.”
While Cummings may be right in suggesting Keeler may not do much for his World ranking, there is a legacy and indeed career-boosting feel to a high profile all-Irish fight – and the Coalisland man does admit there could be some big positives to signing to fight the Ballyfermot boxer.
Cummings noted how “it could take me career up another level and open more doors, even potentially could lead to being promoted by Hearn himself now I’ve left my old promotional team, you never know what doors could open.”
The 26 year old certainly seems as confident as Keeler when discussing a potential match up and his caveats shouldn’t be seen as him trying to find a way out of the fight. In fact he says he more than confident of victory and responded to claims to his possible opponents claims that his style would suit him down to the ground.
“I’m a difficult fight for anyone no matter what your style is. If this fight comes I’ll leave with the win, 110% whatever it takes!”
The fighters are at similar stages in their careers. Keeler has one fight more and both have suffered two hiccups of sorts. However, having topped three bills in 2017 and registered relatively high profile wins the Dub might be seen as the form fighter, especially if you consider Cummings had somewhat difficult year outside the ring.
However, the former Holy Trinity man had the more successful amateur innings and claims he too is domestic fight experienced having fought Alfredo Meli for the BBBoC Celtic title in a Belfast headliner.
“I learnt many things from the Meli fight, in terms of the fight itself, dealing with being the main fight, the build up and so fortj. You can’t buy experience and I feel after 200 plus amateurs fights, 5 WSB and now 14 professional fights.”
“I have a lot of experience going forward which will stand me in good stead.”
