Son of MMA Fighter ‘murdered’ at home says ‘I just want to wake up from nightmare’

The son of a boxer and MMA fighter has spoken of his heartbreak after his father was killed in South Wales.

Duane Keen, 47, suffered fatal injuried at a home in Riverside Drive, Blaenavon, in the early hours of Friday.

A 34-year-old man from Torfaen has been charged with the fighter’s murder.

His son Joshua posted on Facebook: ‘A nightmare that I just want to wake up from yesterday we lost a son, a brother, a dad and a grandad.

‘A simple life is all that was wanted with his loyal friends, close family and dogs.

‘I cannot comprehend how you were put in a position to go out the way you did. A sickness that will never leave my stomach and I do not know how the thirst for vengeance will ever be satisfied.’

He added: ‘I love you so much. You were a warrior and always lived by the sword and I will always admire your dedication and commitment for going after whatever you wanted in life.

‘Something that I promise to keep alongside me and your grandchildren.’

Mr Keen’s family said he was a ‘champ in the ring’ and had lots of belts to his name.

In a statement, they said: ‘Our family has been destroyed by the loss of a beloved son to Sandra and Jeff, a loving brother to Samantha and Ryan, a loving father to Corey, Joshua and Harry and a devoted grandfather to Thea Mai, Jaycee, Aliyah and Mila-Rose.

‘Duane was a great boxer and MMA all-rounder with lots of belts to his name.

‘He loved being with his dogs and out walking with them. He would help anyone who needed it and was always at the end of a phone.

‘Duane will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. There are no words to express what we as a family are going through.

‘Duane, you were a champ in the ring, but you were the biggest champ to us.’

The man charged with his murder has been remanded into custody and is due to appear at Newport Magistrates’ Court on Monday.