Luke Keeler aims to continue climbing ladder as summer World Title hope extinguished
Luke Keeler [16(5)-2(1)-1] received a rather substantial rankings boost but the Dubliner’s chances of fighting for a world title in his next bout have gone from relatively slim to none.
‘Cool Hand’ had thrown name into the mix when it appeared WBO middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade was looking for a June opponent.
The 31-year-old two-weight champion was due to make the second defence of his title this summer against Maciej Sulecki only for the Polish puncher’s place in the fight being in doubt due to a hand injury.
READ: Keeler calls for World Title shot
With Sulecki’s status unsure, the then #11-ranked Keeler speculatively put his name forward and, with most of the Top 15 having other plans, looked to have an outside chance.
However, it is being reported that the clash between Andrade and Sulecki has been agreed for a Matchroom USA show on July 28th.
SOURCES: Demetrius Andrade and Maciej Sulecki have agreed to terms for a middleweight title fight June 28 on DAZN. The fight will be held at Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island, Andrade’s hometown. Great to see fighters built locally
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) April 23, 2019
Keeler won’t be overly disappointed by the news – indeed, the past couple of months have underlined the Irishman’s ambitions
It was recently confirmed that the Ballyfermot boxer has risen to #7 in the WBO ladder having reclaimed the organisation’s European rankings belt. This came after a punishing rematch win over Conrad Cummings in Belfast last month in what was technically an eliminator.
Keeler had elected to take this fight over a clash with noted U.S. name Gabriel Rosado, feeling the need to ease himself back in after a period of injury.
Now firing on all cylinders, the Pete Taylor-trained pro is keen on the fight with Rosado – who lost to Sulecki in a de-facto final eliminator last month.
Giving an update on social media, 31-year-old Keeler said that “I’m back training twice a day under the best in the business Pete Taylor and ready to keep improving and driving up the ladder. Fight news soon.”
