Simon Keane will get the prospect to burst onto the heavyweight scene on Saturday when he takes on former titleholder Joseph Parker in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Keene, who represented Canada on the 2012 London Olympics, needed to be affected person as knowledgeable whereas ready for the large combat.
“I’m excited to shock the world,” Keene (23-1, 22 KOs) informed The Ring. “He is aware of he is a high fighter and it is time to present it and put his identify on the high of the rankings.”
The 34-year-old admits the magnitude of being on the Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou undercard, however he isn’t loopy about it.
“It is glamorous contemplating the scale of the event and the host nation, however I stay targeted on my combat,” he stated. “My goal is Parker. That is all that issues.”
That is the second time Keene has teamed up with Jesse Ross Thompson. Within the first combat between the 2, Keene stopped former two-time heavyweight title challenger Eric Molina in seven rounds.
Simon Keene – Picture by Vincent Ethier (Eye of The Tiger)
Thompson is happy with how coaching camp went and is glad the 2 have had the additional time to proceed working collectively in preparation for a fair greater recreation than initially deliberate for the summer season.
“We have been planning to combat again in August. [Guido] Vianello, and that (recreation) was postponed,” Thompson stated. “So we sort of had a double camp. We have been working arduous since Might. That is the second time we have performed in opposition to Simon, so the extra time we spend with him, the extra I am glad as a result of I will work on issues, have extra instruments to deliver to his fights, and perceive him higher than I did earlier than. The extra time I spend with the fighter, the extra I see what works and what works. You may know what is going on fallacious.
“We’re very proud of the work we have now completed up to now and are actually wanting ahead to seeing them come again to life subsequent Saturday night time in opposition to Parker. “They’re making regular progress, haven’t any accidents and are wanting ahead to seeing them come again to life subsequent Saturday night time in opposition to Parker. Nothing will get in the way in which of the sport. There can be no excuses.”
Keene, a -800 (1/8) underdog, is properly conscious of what Parker brings to the desk and what a win would imply for his personal profession.
“He is a wise, quick boxer,” Keene stated, cautious to not give an excessive amount of away. “You understand, I am actually excited to be the underdog. It has been an excellent coaching camp, I’ve by no means stopped believing in myself, and yeah, this combat goes to be stuffed with surprises. [laughs.]
“[A win would be] It is the important thing to a fair greater battle.”
Keene’s long-time promoter Camille Estefan of Eye of the Tiger says this can be a huge problem for his fighter, but it surely’s crucial if he’s to take the subsequent step in his profession. I imagine.
“Simon Keane is aware of what he is up in opposition to, he is a former world champion and Parker is the consummate skilled,” Estefan stated. “Simon is aware of what this chance means and he does not wish to miss it.
“I believe Simon’s abilities are underrated and everyone knows his nuclear powers can change issues. So it is undoubtedly going to be an excellent combat.”
The previous novice standout from New Zealand received the vacant WBO title on the expense of Andy Ruiz Jr. (MD 12) and defended it twice earlier than dropping the unification to Anthony Joshua (UD 12). Ta. He misplaced an in depth determination to Dillian Whyte, however went on to win his subsequent six fights, together with two wins over perennial title favourite Chisora (SD 12/UD 12). The 31-year-old misplaced a bodily demanding bout to Joe Joyce (11 KOs) however bounced again this yr with two wins at decrease ranges.
Parker is a extra well-rounded fighter who has bounced again properly from his loss to Joyce and may have a bonus, however he should tire of Keene’s energy, particularly early on. If he can try this, he’ll take over and get a late stoppage.
Parker-Keene will seem on the undercard of Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou, “Battle of the Baddest,” on ESPN Pay-Per-View at 2pm ET/11am PT.
Questions and feedback could be directed to Anson at: [email protected].
