Keep Cummings for Arias – Keeler won’t step off American like he did Irish rival

Luke Keeler [16(5)-2(1)-1] claims he won’t let classy American Luis Arias [18(9)-1] off the hook the way he did Conrad Cummings. 

The Ballyfermot middleweight takes on a fighter whose only defeat came against elite operator Danny Jacobs on the Féile an Phobail card next week. 

While most participants are celebrating the chance to be part of such a massive event and appear on such a massive card it’s the massive opportunity that matters most for the WBO European ranking title holder.

Victory for the 32-year-old would see him take a giant stride toward top end world level and it’s a step he wants to take with a bit of a strut.

Securing what would be a career best win remains the most important thing for the Pete Taylor trained fighter, but Keeler is adamant if he gets a chance to stop the talented American he will.

“I’ve been working on increasing work-rate and sustaining attacks with more aggression. There were times in my two wins over Conrad Cummings I could’ve forced the stoppage if I’d sustained my attacks,” said Keeler.

Despite being, 32, Keeler has only been a full time pro for 18 months. He has since become a massive full time training advocate and is vocal with to regard the massive improvements he feels he has made.

With the aid of being able to be fully dedicated, Keeler believes he is now hitting his peak – and thus believes the Feile opportunity has come at just the right time.

“This all feels like perfect timing. I’ve been a full-time professional for a year and a half now and I feel I’m reaching my peak,” he continues before claiming he isn’t feeling any pressure despite knowing this may his last world level chance.

“At the same time, I feel no pressure. I’m living my dream fighting on huge televised shows and opportunity-wise, I know life-changing awaits when I win. I know there’s a lot at stake here yet I honestly feel zero pressure because I’ve done everything I can.

“I’ve put the work in so physically and mentally, I’ll be the best I can possibly be on the night and that takes the pressure off because I can have no regrets.

In addition to Keeler and Arias, two other world-level middleweight hopefuls in Alfredo Meli and Araik Marutjan collide on the card – alongside the British & Commonwealth title bout between Paddy Gallagher and Chris Jenkins and a Celtic super-middleweight title clash between Padraig McCrory and Steve Collins Jr.

A bustling undercard stars Olympic hero Paddy Barnes, Sean McComb against the entertaining Renald Garrido, Dennis McCann, Callum Bradley, Sean Duffy and Dee Sullivan.