Experience is always the best teacher, and Irish star Luke Keeler is taking on board that old adage as he plans to put to good use the lessons he learned from his first world title challenge.

Keeler (17-3-1, 5KOs) is seeking a fresh start after his battle with WBO middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade in January, and he’s explained just how much he has taken from that occasion.

The Dubliner told Irish-Boxing.com: “I learnt from the whole experience. I never experienced any of that before. It gave confidence. It’s like the first time around going to the Olympics.

“You learn and then are ready for it next time around, your chances of being successful increase. First of all I still felt fresh and I feel like I ‘m improving. I still feel I am learning and I’m willing to put in the work.

“I am happy to give it one more shot. One more go. I just want to get back to that level and use the experience I have gained to win this time.”

IN OTHER NEWS: MTK Global is delighted to announce of the signing of amateur talent Khalid Ayub as he turns professional.

Halifax boxer Ayub achieved plenty of success as an amateur, winning a number of national and GB titles and also representing England, and he's excited to now be entering the paid ranks alongside MTK Global.

Ayub said: "I’m very happy and feel so proud to have joined with MTK Global. They are the best management in the world and I’ve seen how they have helped other fighters and know this is the right platform for my career to progress in the right way. I’m very glad to have signed a deal with them and look forward to working together.

"To know that I’m in the same team as the likes of so many world champions and other world level fighters is a dream come true. I’m honoured to be a part of this team and they are great inspirations and I hope to achieve what they have too.

"I’m from Halifax and have been into boxing from a very young age. I was first introduced at three years old as my dad was a former boxer and had my first bout at 10. In my amateur career I’ve won four national titles, 2 GB titles and also represented England internationally as well.

"With a team like MTK Global, I want to achieve the best things in boxing and I hope to be a world champion one day. At the moment I’m only young and there is still a very long time for my game to develop but I know that I need the right guidance and with MTK Global I have that and I just can’t wait to get my journey started in the professional ranks with my new team."