Keenan’s time is right for boxers in the ring

The licensed timekeeper from Hubbard has done hundreds of mitt shows.

By JOHN BASSETTI

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

YOUNGSTOWN — Rick Keenan has been in the thick of many a fight — as a timekeeper, that is.

The Hubbard resident was ringside for the “Friday Night Fights” show at the Chevrolet Centre, where Billy Lyell and Darnell Boone were part of the action on the pro card.

Keenan keeps the clock for each bout at such events, usually in the area, but also elsewhere in Ohio.

He worked the U.S. finals of the Olympic-qualifying matches in Cleveland several years ago.

“It was such an honor,” said Keenan, a car inspector with the CSX railroad. “We saw the country’s best.”

Selection of judges, referees, timekeepers and other officials is made by the Ohio Athletic Commission.

Keenan, who has had his state-issued license over a half-dozen years, has done hundreds of boxing shows, both pro and amateur, including the local KO Drugs boxing events.

Of the several variations between pro and amateur rules, the length of a bout is one.

The recent high school fights used 45-second rounds, while the length of a pro round is three minutes.

Between rounds, the breaks are one minute.

Knockdown count

As a timekeeper, Keenan is sometimes responsible for beginning a knockdown count.

After a knockdown, the referee may pick up on the count started by the timekeeper.

In the case of a knockdown under 10 seconds, the fighter is still entitled to his full 10 seconds.

For example, if the count begins at 0:05, it continues even if the bell sounds. In reality, the fighter has five more seconds to recover before being counted out.

“The fighter can’t be saved by the bell,” Keenan said.

Conversely, a fighter may benefit from his remaining seconds after the bell has sounded.

However, the likelihood of a fighter recovering after the bell is rare, Keenan said of his experience.

Using the count close to the bell and beyond for a breather is more common in late rounds of fights in the 8, 10 and 12-rounders.

“That’s because they’re usually tired and may take a knee for extra time,” Keenan said.

Once the count of 10 is reached during any point in the round, however, the fight is over.

Keenan is also a licensed high school soccer official, having worked some 15 years.

bassetti@vindy.com