A 35-YEAR-OLD man has pleaded guilty to the murder of Mixed Martial Arts fighter and boxer Duane Keen in Blaenavon last October.

Kai Pennell admitted to killing the 47-year-old at a Blaenavon flat when he appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday.

The 35-year-old defendant of Riverside Drive, Blaenavon, was told by the Recorder of Cardiff, Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, “As you have pleaded guilty to the offence of murder, as I’m sure you are aware, there is only one sentence, and that is life in prison.”

The defendant, represented by David Elias KC, also admitted damaging a white Suzuki Swift car on the same date, and will be sentenced on Tuesday, February 24.

Following his death in the early hours of October 17 at a flat in Riverside Drive, Mr Keen was remembered with fondness by his family, who said in a previously released statement: “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.”

Armed police were deployed in the town after police rushed to the scene, as well as the air ambulance and several paramedics.

Photographs depicted a large number of forensic units at the scene throughout the day, as a major investigation took place.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Jitka Tomkova-Griffiths said at the time: “We understand that reports of this nature can be concerning, however we have arrested a man from the area, and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.”