Christopher Keane impresses in win

Ring legend Ricky Hatton was on hand to watch Walsall cruiserweight Christopher Keane kick start his exciting professional career.

Hatton promoted the Sky Sports televised bill at Bolton Arena topped by his brother Matthew retaining his European welterweight championship on Friday night, and 'the Hitman' was at ringside to watch the red-hot prospect end 10 months of frustration with a four-round points win over Birmingham-based fighter Hastings Rasani.

Keane last year won both the ABA and Three Nations ABA heavyweight championships with Pleck Amateur Boxing Club before deciding to punch for pay.

The 24-year-old impressed with a whirlwind win on his pro debut last September – and had to wait until last night to build on that after suffering a torn bicep.

Rasani stepped in to face him at late notice following the withdrawal of Nick Okoth – and Keane knew all about his opponent having sparred several rounds with him at the Red Corner gym in Coventry where he trains.

A former challenger for the Commonwealth light heavyweight title, Rasani was having his 78th fight, but had no answer to Keane's slick skills and dazzling hand speed.

Referee Steve Gray scored the fight 40-37, meaning Rasani shared one round, and Keane said afterwards: "It's good to be back and get a few rounds under my belt."

Keane will soon head off to Liverpool to spar Commonwealth light heavyweight champion Tony Bellew and, judging by last night's polished performance, the Black Country puncher could follow him into title contention.

Jim Watt, the former WBC lightweight champion commentating for Sky Sports, described Keane as having "bags of natural ability" while trainers Paul Hudson and Dean Edwards reckon he will be challenging for British honours within 18 months. His next fight should come in September.

Keane, so relaxed and comfortable in the ring, boxed carefully in the opening round and, when there was an exchange of punches midway through the session, his hand speed gave him the edge and Rasani was forced to back pedal and regroup after being lashed by a lightning-fast right hand.

At the end of the session, Hudson asked for more jabs from Keane and he responded to stay in charge.

Keane produced his best work in the final two rounds. Rasani backed him to the ropes and targeted his ribs, but Keane kept a tight defence and then put together blurring combinations that drove his opponent back across the ring.

Hudson said: "Chris was a bit lazy at times, but when he got his jab working and let his shots go, he looked good.

"He's been out for a while and it hasn't been easy for him, but he showed what a good prospect he is."

By Matt Bozeat