Luke Keeler Ready to Shock the Boxing World
To many boxing observers and pundits, Luke Keeler (17-2-1, 5 KOs) is the heavy underdog heading into his fight against WBO World Middleweight Demetrius Andrade (28-0, 17 KOs) on January 30 the Meridian at Island Gardens in Miami, Florida.
In fact, the two men squared off during a January 27 press event where Andrade did plenty of trash talking. He told Keeler’s entourage, “after I finish your boy off you can tell me how good I am”. Suffice to say, the defending champion is very confident of victory.
While Keeler kept it cool at the presser, he had plenty to say afterward to Sky Sports. According to the 29-year-old from Dublin, Ireland it is he who has the edge on Andrade and the edge is from a mental/psychological perspective.
“I’m getting under his skin. I labeled him delusional and he kept repeating it so it’s obviously in his head. He calls himself the greatest but he has to prove that. He’s calling for Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez or Jermall Charlo but he’s not backing it up with entertainment.
I’m prepared for him to move and box at his pace but, if he’s the greatest, why doesn’t he stand and fight? He’s talking me down so much. He’s saying I’ve beaten nobody. Then prove it! Hopefully, he can step up to the plate instead of shouting and roaring from the rooftop. It’s a sign of weakness.”
Boxing is as much about intangibles as it is about physical prowess. And the game of psychological warfare is a key component that is central to any significant bout. Fights are won both, inside and outside of the ring.
The Irishman has had to go the atypical route throughout his career. In fact, up until 2018, he juggled a boxing career along with a full-time job as an engineer.
Now fully committed to the sport, he’s hoping to upset the odds-makers and fulfill his dream of becoming a world champion. A 10-1 underdog, Keeler is ready to shock the boxing world.
“I’m coming to take the belt. He’s going to have trouble in there.”
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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