McKeown signs pro forms with Manning
Darren McKeown….returning to the ring after three years away
IT’S been three years since Darren McKeown’s last competitive fight – and that took place in one of the game’s legendary settings.
At Gleason’s Gym, New York – the sweat shop where Muhammad Ali trained – Darren lost by split decision in a British Army v New York select tournament.
“I thought I won, but it was certainly an experience,” said the Solihull welter.
At the age off 22 and with a three-and-a-half stint in the forces under his belt, McKeown is back – and straight in at the deep end.
He has signed pro forms with Birmingham’s Anthony Manning and aims to make his debut in December.
“I can feel it all coming back,” Darren, a roofer by day, told me. “I’m enjoying being back in the gym, every day a little more muscle memory returns.
He enters the paid game with a solid 22 amateur bout pedigree – all in Hall Green ABC colours bar the Big Apple contest. Along the way Darren won two East Midlands Box Cup and was crowned Manchester Golden Gloves champ.
An extended absence from the ring has renewed the old enthusiasm, rekindled the fire. “I just wanted a rest from it – I’d been doing it since I was 11 or 12,” Darren said. “I wanted to go out and travel and spent six months travelling around Asia.”
He believes he will be a better fighter and make a big impact over the longer professional distances. “The amateurs is more high paced. Everything’s just crash, bang, wallop – you can’t set-up your shots and sit down on your punches.
“I’ve known Anthony Manning since my amateur days, I’m around a lot of his boxers.”
Fans are in for a thrilling ride, Darren insists.
“They can expect explosive, exciting fights,” he said. “That’s the kind of fighter I am. I have stoppage power. I’m a very good all-round fighter. I’m a skilful clean puncher, but I can pressure. I think I can sell a lot of ticket, I don’t think that will be a big issue.”
The lad is not short on confidence either, adding: “I feel like there’s no limit to what I can achieve if I put my mind to it – I feel I can achieve it all, if I’m honest. I’m looking as high as British, Commonwealth and European.”
That’s looking at the stars!