Rebel rising – Danny Keating ready to be Cork’s next big name

Danny Keating [3(3)-0] believes it won’t be long before he is a rebel on the pro rise.

The Cork 23-year-old hasn’t fought since 2018, but is putting plans in place, that he believes will eventually lead to him being the next big name to come out of Cork.

‘Danny Boy’ has persuaded Irish boxing legend Wayne McCullough to train him and will link up with the former world champion, who is currently training Dennis Hogan, once Covid clears.

The Cork fighter, whose three fights to date have played out in Australia, is in talks with an International promoter and is confident once they get him active he will start making a name for himself.

“I believe I’m most definitely an up and coming talent,” he told Irish-boxing.com.

“In the amateurs I brought back plenty titles to Cork and I believe I can do the same in the pro ranks.”

Keating was hoping to be in Vegas at the present time, but had his plans pandemic Pompeii’d.

It has allowed him to return home for the first time in a long time and he is enjoying Cork again.

“I was expecting to be in America last July but when the Covid-19 happened everything was put on hold. In saying that it’s great to be home in Ireland. It’s been almost over 5 years since I was last home.”

Keating and McCullough have been keeping in touch since they agreed to team up – and the Olympic silver medal winner has enlisted the help of his old mentor to help with the Cork fighters progress while they can’t work one on one.

Nicholas Cruz a name synonymous with Barcelona 92, who coached Keating in the amateurs, will work with the prospect again while he is in Ireland.

“I’m so excited to start working with Wayne when I finally get my opportunity to get out to him,” he adds.

“I keep in touch every few weeks. Wayne wants me to link back up with my old amateur coach Cuban Nicholas Cruz. When I get a fight date I will be moving and living in Portlaoise with him in his house.”