DEMETRIUS ANDRADE dropped Luke Keeler after just FIVE SECONDS of their world title bout – but the Irishman refused to stay down.
Keeler challenged for the WBO title in Miami – moments after YouTuber Jake Paul beat internet rival ‘AnEsonGib’.
Demetrius Andrade knocked Luke Keeler down in just five seconds of their fightCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Brave Irishman Keeler fought on for nine rounds before losing by stoppageCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But he could not have wished for a worse start as champion Andrade landed a flush left hand just seconds after the first bell sounded.
Keeler – who exchanged verbals with UFC star Conor McGregor on the phone – used his experience to see out the round and keep his title dream alive.
But despite his brave and relentless efforts to hang in there the class difference was apparent with another knockdown scored in the second.
Andrade seeked the finish in round nine after backing Keeler up to the ropes and after a string of heavy blows the official called off the contest.
After the win the middleweight champion called out Billy Joe Saunders – the WBO super-middleweight champion – after their 2018 bout was axed after the Brit produced an adverse finding in a pre-fight drug test.
Andrade said: “I’m willing to go up to 168 to fight Billy Joe Saunders in my next fight and that’s what I’m looking to do.
“Since Eddie has that big chequebook, that big bank, give Billy that cheque too so I can whoop his a**.”
WBC champion Jermall Charlo is also a target for the American, but promoter Eddie Hearn claimed the unbeaten PBC star did not reply to his unification offer.
Andrade said: “I’m not giving up on that. Eddie Hearn sent the offer and didn’t get a response.
“If they want to send an offer this way, we will respond. Let’s get it on, Jermall. The boogeyman is here, baby.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
