“Different fighter” Luke Keeler suggests Cummings KO is a possibility

Luke Keeler [15(5)-2(1)-1] think he can go one better and stop Conrad Cummings when they rematch in the Ulster Hall tonight.

The Dublin middleweight widely outpointed the Tyrone fighter when they meet in the SSE Arena last April.

However, he warns the fighter he renews hostilities with at the iconic venue that he is a much improved fighter this time around.

The Ballyfermot man points out he carried niggles into the first meeting and the former full-time engineer is adamant he has benefited immensely from his first year of proper training.

Indeed, the 31-year-old feels so improved that he feels he may register his first stoppage win since 2014 tonight.

“In our first fight, I was fighting back from a shoulder injury and finding my feet with a new coach. I was happy to get a points win then but this time around I’m injury-free and punching without pain for the first I can remember,” Keeler explained.

“My technique is much better and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the stoppage came. This is the perfect fight to build momentum and then push on to world level.”

“This is my first solid year as a full-time professional and it’s sharpened my mind and body. I’m looking forward to show that to everyone,” added Keeler before describing the changes he has made.

“I’m a different fighter to a year ago. My trainer can confirm that. At the beginning, we’d spend full sessions just improving footwork and balance. I’ve always had natural fighting ability and it carried me through but a few adjustments have changed me as a fighter.”

“I’m doing full-time training and I can dedicate all my time to it. I’m having proper meals and I’m resting properly. Before, I was juggling a full-time job and eating chicken fillet rolls on my break!”