Dan McKeever 2-0-0 is an English amateur Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Featherweight division, representing New Wave Academy. he has competed solely for Fightstar Championship across his amateur career.
I’d like to start this off by thanking you for taking the time to speak to me today Dan, and also to congratulate you on your recent fight announcement for the Fightstar Championship 21 Card.
I hope training has been going well in the build-up to your highly anticipated return to the Fightstar cage?
“Training has been phenomenal for this fight. I’ve never trained harder or smarter than I have for this fight, nutrition has been on point, S&C has been done to a science and I’ve been working with some very high-level fighters for this one.”
New Wave Academy is well renowned for nurturing and helping develop such incredible fighters such as yourself. How does it feel to be part of the well-oiled machine that is New Wave Academy and represent them on one of the biggest stages in the UK?
“It’s a true honour to be a part of New Wave. I’ve been here for 4 years now, and I truly consider it my family. The energy is unmatched and the work rate is insane, which is why we have so much success in the regional scene.”
The stage is almost set, Fightstar Championship returns to the Brentford Fountain Leisure centre as they prepare for their 21st card to date March 19th. It’s been the home of your explosive amateur career since starting your journey back in 2019. How does it feel to once again take centre stage for a 3rd Time with Raj Singh’s phenomenal organisation?
“I honestly can’t wait to be back. Everyone close to me knows the bad luck I’ve had with back to back injuries for 2 years straight and then being in the bin with covid for 3 months. It’s a relief to finally be fully healthy and be active. I’m excited to show a better reflection of my game on Saturday.”
I had the pleasure of witnessing your last bout back in December at Fightstar Championship 20. Taking on and defeating Oliver James in submissive fashion via Rear-naked choke. A 1st round finish is always a tremendous compliment to the work being done behind the scenes as you prepare for war on the night. Now the proverbial dust has settled and you’ve had time to reflect on your bout with Oliver, what did you take from that bout back in December?
“Not much to be honest, no disrespect to Oliver, but he was a last-minute replacement that I was just simply better than. It was a gangster move for him to step in on such short notice and he deserves that credit. In terms of what I took from it: just dusting off ring rust. I was out of the cage for 3 years, so I felt uncomfortable in there even though I was in control the whole fight. Now that is out of the way, I look forward to being extremely comfortable and showing a true reflection of my skill set.”
As previously stated, your 3rd step along your amateur path is set in stone for March 19th. Taking on Shaniel Veman for what will, no doubt, be one to watch on the return to Brentford. Have you had the opportunity to do some research on Shaniel leading up to your scheduled bout?
“I had a look for some footage of him, but there is nothing on YouTube. From what I understand, he has had some Muay Thai fights and I believe he is 1-0 in MMA with a TKO win. I think this will be a great fight stylistically, we both like to strike, but of course, this is MMA. He comes from a very respectable gym in Team Crossface, but so do I. This will be a great scrap, and I can’t wait.”
London fans will be looking forward to the wars incoming on March 19th as yet another card is set to shake London to its very foundations. Other than your inclusion on the night, are there any matchups in particular that you’re looking forward to witnessing?
“I had two teammates that were supposed to be fighting on this card, but both of their opponents pulled out. So, I believe it’s just me fighting on the night from my gym. I’m looking forward to the main event. Muhudin is a fantastic athlete and from what I understand, there is a bit of beef between him and his opponent, so that always makes it more interesting”
Last but not least do you have a message for the fans that will be in attendance and anybody you’d like to give a shout-out to?
“This fight will be eye-catching. By no means is this going to be an easy fight, this will definitely be a tough test. but I am going to perform, and that will guarantee a fight that the fans won’t want to miss. I’d like to shout out Marlan Anthony who is in charge of my S&C, nutrition and recovery. The man is a magician with what he has done to me. I’d also like to give a massive shout out to Tommy Asabre, my MMA coach. We have put in phenomenal work for this fight and he goes above and beyond in every way for me which gives me an extra fire in my belly to win. Lastly, all my teammates and coaches that have helped me prepare for this fight. Especially Noah Mannion, Festus Ahorlu, Humza Raja, Kenirujan Suthakaran and Kate Bacik.”
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