Luke Keeler OUT of big Brian Rose fight?

Luke Keeler’s big fight with Brian Rose this December looks to be in doubt.

The Dublin middleweight is down to fight the former light middleweight world title challenger in the headline fight of a BoxNation card at the York Hall in London on Friday December 14th.

Keeler [15(5)-2(1)-1] yesterday posted an update to his social media channels stating that he has been forced to pull out of the fight due to a herniated disc. This status, however, was soon deleted with no further updates.

If he is indeed out of the fight, whether it be a cancellation or a postponement, it would be a major disappointment for the popular Ballyfermot middleweight and another delay for the 31-year-old who has dedicated himself fully to boxing over the last 12 months.

Keeler scored a huge win back in April, defeating Conrad Cummings and claiming the WBO European rankings title and a #12 ranking with the organisation. However, the Pete Taylor-trained boxer was unable to push on from this win when a big fight on the Carl Frampton Windsor Park card in August fell through.

Instead, Keeler fought Dwain Grant, getting eight rounds in to stay sharp ahead of a first defence of the belt against a big domestic name.

33-year-old Rose [29(8)-5(3)-1] is returning to the ring after a year-and-a-half out of the ring. He boxes next weekend in a warm-up over six rounds but it now looks as though the clash with Keeler may be off.

Official confirmation on the status of the fight is awaited.

The card next month also features Keeler’s friend and fellow Dubliner Darragh Foley. It was confirmed during the week that the Blanchardstown light welterweight would be stepping in to face Akeem Ennis Brown for the IBF European title. Also on the bill at the famous Bethnal Green venue will be a welterweight battle between Larry Ekundayo and Louis Greene.