Luke Keeler believes upcoming opponent is Taylor-made for him

Luke Keeler [11(5)-2(1)] is delighted to be making a step up in opposition as he targets a European title later this year.

The Ballyfermot middleweight headlines the Red Corner Promotions ‘Unfinished Business’ bill at the National Stadium on Saturday February 25th, where he will face tough Englishman Lewis Taylor [19(3)-2(0)].

The Derbyshire workhorse is a former BBBoC English champion and challenged for the Commonwealth belt last year. Most importantly perhaps, Taylor is ranked #12 by the EBU, and a win for Keeler would see him enter the rankings. Indeed trainer Paschal Collins envisions a situation where Keeler wins this month, moves up the rankings with another win in the Summer, and then challenges for the blue belt in September.

29 year old Keeler is happy with the progression and the opponent, and told Irish-Boxing.com that “he’s a good name. We were trying to get a couple of French guys from the Basque region that were eligible for the Celtic title, but they fell through, some good names.”

“But the lads came up with Lewis Taylor. He has only two defeats against good guys and both were close fights that he disputes.”

While he admits that he is no expert on his opponent, Keeler believes that Taylor will suit his new and improved incisive style.

“I didn’t look at much,” Keeler confessed. “I looked at a couple of fights and he’s good, he’s come-forward, and I’m happy with it. This fella will work, it’ll suit me.”

It’s a second successive headline slot for ‘Cool Hand’ atop a Red Corner bill following his win over Welshman Bradley Pryce in November. While it is no doubt a step-up in opposition, Keeler is feeling more confident going into this fight.

The Dubliner outlined how “The last fight I was a bit nervous, obviously with the defeat [to Tom Doran].”

“I’ve had a longer camp this time, I’ve sparred eight rounds already two weeks ago. Now I’m going in after doing my first eight rounds, I’m going in after doing four or five eight rounders in camp, and I’m going in wanting to show the gears, and show that bit of quality.”

Set to feature on the undercard are Eric Donovan, Chris Blaney, Lynn Harvey, Stevie Collins, Allan Phelan, Connor Coyle, Jay Byrne, and debutant Thomas Finnegan.

Photo Credit: Laszlo Geczo Photography

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Tickets for ‘Unfinished Business’ cost €40 (unreserved) and €60 (ringside) and are available from the boxers involved on the bill.