Irish champion Luke Keeler changes trainer ahead of big 2018 push

Irish middleweight champion Luke Keeler [13(5)-2(1)] has changed trainer ahead of one big final career-push in 2018.

The Ballyfermot boxer has left Celtic Warriors Gym chief Paschal Collins, who he had been with since his debut in 2013, and has linked up with Pete Taylor in Bray.

Out of action since his Irish title win in June, 30 year old Keeler is aiming to push on and has recently linked up with management outfit Mack The Knife Global.

The Dubliner is on a run of good form having scored two solid wins against Bradley Pryce and Lewis Taylor before his Irish title triumph versus Darren Cruise. A fight in the new year with Conrad Cummings looks to be next on the agenda – should Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn get his way.

Keeler is at the tail-end of a recovery from corrective shoulder surgery and a hand injury, and has undergone some light sessions with Taylor in recent weeks.

The qualified engineer told Irish-Boxing.com that “I’ve just started with new coach Pete Taylor and finish up work at Christmas, I’m finally committing full time to boxing and look forward to seeing the results in the ring.”

“The shoulder feels perfect. I will be back punching in two weeks.”

“I’ve never felt better. I’m back shadowboxing and it’s the first time in two years I’m throwing a punch without pain.”

“Can’t wait to get back out and make fresh start.”

‘Cool Hand’ joins Dublin heavyweight Sean Turner, Kildare lightweight Gary Cully, and Westmeath super featherweight Davey Oliver Joyce in the Taylormade stable.

Keeler is another Irish middleweight to have had a change of coach in recent times, with Donegal puncher Jason Quigley having his move from Manny Robles to Dominic Ingle confirmed this week, while Cummings had earlier switched from Shane McGuigan to Jamie Moore.

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