 |
| Picture by David Linney Photography |
The 26 year-old has sparred his opponent in the past and now, as he prepares for the first title of his professional career, aims to use that experience to his advantage.
“He’s a good kid,” he told www.uko-boxing.com. “I’ve spoken to him a lot and I like him.
“I’ve sparred him and I know he’s a decent fighter. Hopefully, from sparring, I’ll know enough about his style so that, come the fight, I can use that to my advantage.”
Keane versus McPhilbin is one of o trio of intriguing contests taking place at Walsall Town Hall in front of a sell-out crowd on Friday, 18th January.
Topping the bill is Brummie Frankie Gavin’s first British Welterweight title defence against Rowley Regis’ Jason Welborn whilst Walsall’s Martin Gethin also takes on Ben Murphy for the vacant British and Commonwealth Lightweight titles.
Keane is a former ABA Champion and is undefeated as a professional with a perfect 8-0 record. After sparring the likes of Michael Sprott, the former British and Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion, who defeated McPhilbin on the way to winning the 2009 Heavyweight version of Prizefighter, Keane is hoping that victory will be the start of a breakthrough year.
“It’s a big night for us all,” he added. “I’m from the Delves (an area of Walsall) so this fight is literally on my doorstep.
“I hope to catch people’s eye. All you can is your best but this could be a big year for me. I can’t look past McPhilbin though and I’ll be doing all I can to beat him and lift the Midlands Area title on the 18th.”
The fight takes place on promoter Frank Warren's first show of 2013 - in association with Midlands promoter Errol Johnson – at Walsall Town Hall on Friday, 18th January. The show is a sell-out but it is live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546). Subscribe at www.boxnation.com.
Walsall Town Hall Box Office - 0845 111 2900 – have started a waiting list should more tickets become available.