Kevin Kelley (boxer)

Kevin Philip Kelley (born June 29, 1967) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1988 to 2009, and held the WBC featherweight title from 1993 to 1995.

For other people named similarly, see Kevin Kelly.
Kevin Kelley
Statistics
Real nameKevin Philip Kelley
Nickname(s)The Flushing Flash
Weight(s)
NationalityAmerican
Born (1967-06-29) June 29, 1967
Brooklyn, New York City,
New York, U.S.
StanceSouthpaw
Boxing record
Total fights72
Wins60
Wins by KO39
Losses10
Draws2

Amateur career

Kelley won two New York Golden Gloves Championships as well as the 1985 119 lb Sub-Novice Championship and the 1986 119 lb Open Championship. In 1988 Kelley advanced to the finals of the 125 lb Open division and was to have met Fred Liberatore in the finals. Kelley was injured and could not fight. Liberatore was declared the Champion by Default-Injury.

In the Olympic box-offs he lost to Carl Daniels. His record was 70-5.

Professional career

WBC featherweight champion

Known as the "Flushing Flash", Kelley held the WBC Featherweight title and defended it until he lost by TKO to, Mexican Alejandro Martín González, after Kelley failed to come out for the 11th round due to both eyes swollen shut. Kelley won the title by defeating Gregorio Vargas by unanimous decision in 1993.

Kelley was then signed to an HBO contract, and remained in title contention for the next decade. More known for being in big fights rather than gaining big victories, Kelley's resume includes TKO losses to boxing legends Prince Naseem Hamed and Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales, both of which came during Kelley's career decline.

Loss to Hamed
Main article: Naseem Hamed vs. Kevin Kelley

Kelley's defeats include losses to Naseem Hamed. In 1997 Hamed flew to the United States to fight there for the first time. His ceremonious arrival on the British Airways Concorde was covered by multiple media outlets. There, he and former two-time WBC Featherweight champion of the world Kevin Kelley fought in Ring Magazine's fight of the year at the Madison Square Garden in New York. Despite being dropped three times himself, Hamed put Kelley down for a third and final time to win by a fourth-round knockout.[1] This was his first of many fights on HBO. The fight was ranked 100th in Channel 4's 100 Greatest Sporting Moments in 2002.

Kelley knocked out former WBA featherweight champion Derrick Gainer in 1996, a loss which Gainer later avenged via unanimous decision in 1998.

Loss to Bobby Pacquiao

Kelley was then outclassed and KO'd by Bobby Pacquiao. On September 28, 2006, Kelley met Carlos Hernández in the ring. In an upset victory, Kelley put on his best performance in years, dropping Hernandez in the 4th round en route to a UD victory. Hernandez announced his retirement right after this fight.

Kelley was David Díaz's mandatory for the WBC Interim Lightweight Championship, but he lost a close decision to former titlist Manuel Medina.

Life after boxing

Kelley now lives in Las Vegas, Nevada and is currently the co-host on "The Sucker Punch Show" alongside Colin Gates. This is a brand new show by SETAG Management Group. The Sucker Punch Show has interviewed some of the most iconic names in the sport of boxing: Roy Jones Jr, Errol Spence Jr, Andre Ward, Shawn Porter and many others.

While fighting, Kelley also moonlighted as a color commentator, most notably for HBO. Kelley was the lead on HBO's short lived KO Nation television show. The show served as a "hip hop" based boxing broadcast, and was hosted by Ed Lover.

Professional boxing record
72 fights 60 wins 10 losses
By knockout 39 6
By decision 21 4
Draws 2
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
72 Loss 60–10–2 Vicente Escobedo TKO 2 (10), 1:53 May 21, 2009 ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California, U.S.
71 Loss 60–9–2 David Rodela SD 8 Oct 10, 2008 Desert Diamond Casino, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.
70 Win 60–8–2 Jaime Palma UD 10 Jul 8, 2008 Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.
69 Loss 59–8–2 Manuel Medina MD 12 Nov 11, 2006 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
68 Win 59–7–2 Carlos Hernández UD 10 Sep 28, 2006 Municipal Auditorium, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
67 Loss 58–7–2 Bobby Pacquiao KO 4 (12), 1:24 Jun 10, 2006 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. For WBC Continental Americas super featherweight title
66 Win 58–6–2 Juan Carlos Ramírez KO 2 (10), 2:29 Feb 17, 2006 Cicero Stadium, Cicero, Illinois, U.S.
65 Win 57–6–2 Sandro Marcos TKO 4 (10), 2:23 Nov 4, 2005 Ventura Theatre, Ventura, California, U.S.
64 Win 56–6–2 Jose Reyes UD 10 May 17, 2005 The Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
63 Win 55–6–2 Felix St Kitts TKO 8 (8), 1:47 Mar 3, 2005 The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
62 Loss 54–6–2 Marco Antonio Barrera TKO 4 (12), 1:32 Apr 12, 2003 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. For The Ring featherweight title
61 Win 54–5–2 Johnny West KO 5 (10), 2:58 Nov 14, 2002 American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
60 Win 53–5–2 Humberto Soto MD 12 Jul 13, 2002 The Aladdin, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Won vacant WBA–NABA super featherweight title
59 Win 52–5–2 Raul Franco TKO 2 (10), 1:05 Apr 27, 2002 Stratosphere, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
58 Loss 51–5–2 Érik Morales TKO 7 (12), 2:30 Sep 2, 2000 Don Haskins Center, El Paso, Texas, U.S. For vacant WBC interim featherweight title
57 Win 51–4–2 Frankie Archuleta KO 9 (10), 2:59 Jan 22, 2000 The Joint, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
56 Loss 50–4–2 Benito Rodriguez UD 10 Aug 13, 1999 Bossier City, Louisiana, U.S.
55 Win 50–3–2 Héctor Velázquez UD 10 May 8, 1999 Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.
54 Win 49–3–2 Jorge Ramirez KO 9 (10) Dec 17, 1998 Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
53 Loss 48–3–2 Derrick Gainer UD 10 Jul 18, 1998 The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
52 Win 48–2–2 Vincent Howard UD 10 May 8, 1998 Trump Marina, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
51 Loss 47–2–2 Naseem Hamed KO 4 (12), 2:27 Dec 19, 1997 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. For WBO featherweight title
50 Win 47–1–2 Orlando Fernandez KO 10 (12), 0:15 Jul 12, 1997 Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall, Sunrise Manor, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBU featherweight title
49 Win 46–1–2 Jesus Salud UD 12 Mar 14, 1997 Pepsi Arena, Albany, New York, U.S. Retained WBU featherweight title
48 Win 45–1–2 Edwin Santana UD 12 Nov 16, 1996 Bally's Park Place, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. Retained WBU featherweight title
47 Win 44–1–2 Derrick Gainer KO 8 (12), 2:16 Jun 15, 1996 Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. Retained WBU featherweight title
46 Win 43–1–2 Louie Espinoza UD 12 Feb 2, 1996 Boulder Station Hotel Casino, Sunrise Manor, Nevada, U.S. Won vacant WBU featherweight title
45 Draw 42–1–2 Clarence Adams MD 12 Sep 9, 1995 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. For vacant WBU featherweight title
44 Draw 42–1–1 Tommy Parks TD 2 (10), 0:34 Jul 28, 1995 Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S.
43 Win 42–1 Ricardo Rivera TKO 9 (10), 1:15 Mar 31, 1995 Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort, Chester, West Virginia, U.S.
42 Loss 41–1 Alejandro González RTD 10 (12), 3:00 Jan 7, 1995 Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, Texas, U.S. Lost WBC featherweight title
41 Win 41–0 Pete Taliaferro TKO 10 (10) Nov 2, 1994 Southern Belle Casino, Tunica, Mississippi, U.S.
40 Win 40–0 Jose Vida Ramos TKO 2 (12), 1:58 Sep 24, 1994 Bally's Park Place, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. Retained WBC featherweight title
39 Win 39–0 Georgie Navarro TKO 6 (10), 0:56 Jun 26, 1994 Race Course, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
38 Win 38–0 Jesse Benavides UD 12 May 6, 1994 Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. Retained WBC featherweight title
37 Win 37–0 Gregorio Vargas UD 12 Dec 4, 1993 Convention Center, Reno, Nevada, U.S. Won WBC featherweight title
36 Win 36–0 Patrick Simeon UD 10 Sep 11, 1993 Jai-Alai Fronton, Miami, Florida, U.S.
35 Win 35–0 Adolfo Castillo TKO 2 (10), 2:10 Jul 8, 1993 Paramount Theatre, New York City, New York, U.S.
34 Win 34–0 Jesus Poll TKO 6 (10), 2:10 May 13, 1993 Paramount Theatre, New York City, New York, U.S.
33 Win 33–0 Angel Gonzalez TKO 4 (10) Mar 23, 1993 Ahoy, Rotterdam, Netherlands
32 Win 32–0 Peter Nieves TKO 6 (10), 2:03 Jan 12, 1993 Paramount Theatre, New York City, New York, U.S.
31 Win 31–0 Roberto Villareal KO 3 (10), 2:40 Sep 25, 1992 Friar Tuck Inn, Catskill, New York, U.S.
30 Win 30–0 Antonio Hernandez UD 10 Aug 20, 1992 Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
29 Win 29–0 Alric Johnson PTS 10 Jun 2, 1992 Weenahal, Rotterdam, Netherlands
28 Win 28–0 Tomas Valdez TKO 2 (10), 0:31 May 21, 1992 Paramount Theatre, New York City, New York, U.S.
27 Win 27–0 Troy Dorsey UD 12 Feb 18, 1992 Paramount Theatre, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained WBC Continental Americas featherweight title
26 Win 26–0 Hector Padilla TKO 2 (10) Jan 31, 1992 Waregem, Belgium
25 Win 25–0 Rafael Zuñiga TKO 4 (12), 1:37 Nov 12, 1991 Union Plaza Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. Won vacant WBC Continental Americas featherweight title
24 Win 24–0 Cesar Almonte KO 2 (10) Oct 4, 1991 Waregem, Belgium
23 Win 23–0 Juan Gomez Polo TKO 2 (8) Aug 31, 1991 Ergilio Hato Stadium, Willemstad, Curaçao
22 Win 22–0 James Pipps TKO 4 (10), 0:26 Jul 23, 1991 Kutsher's Hotel, Thompson, New York, U.S.
21 Win 21–0 Job Walters TKO 6 (10) Jun 14, 1991 New York City, New York, U.S. Won vacant New York featherweight title
20 Win 20–0 Richie Foster KO 1 May 27, 1991 Weenahal, Rotterdam, Netherlands
19 Win 19–0 Harold Warren UD 10 Mar 22, 1991 Villa Roma Resort, Callicoon, New York, U.S.
18 Win 18–0 Boualem Belkif KO 3 Feb 12, 1991 Ahoy, Rotterdam, Netherlands
17 Win 17–0 Ernesto Quintana TKO 1 (10), 1:04 Nov 30, 1990 Sands Hotel and Casino, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
16 Win 16–0 Jesse Sierra TKO 5 (8), 1:47 Oct 30, 1990 The Pines Hotel, Fallsburg, New York, U.S.
15 Win 15–0 Cruz Saldana KO 1 (8), 1:43 Sep 13, 1990 Pioneer Hall, Duluth, Minnesota, U.S.
14 Win 14–0 Russell Davison PTS 8 Dec 23, 1989 Sporthal Hoogvliet, Rotterdam, Netherlands
13 Win 13–0 Martin Mendoza KO 1 Nov 30, 1989 Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
12 Win 12–0 Fermin Rodriguez KO 2 Nov 13, 1989 Houtrusthallen, The Hague, Netherlands
11 Win 11–0 Jean Pierre Dibateza PTS 8 Oct 30, 1989 Houtrusthallen, The Hague, Netherlands
10 Win 10–0 Byron Chacon TKO 1 (6), 2:01 Aug 24, 1989 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.
9 Win 9–0 Jose Villasenor KO 1, 0:55 Jul 27, 1989 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.
8 Win 8–0 Bruce Flippins TKO 4 (6) May 25, 1989 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 Anthony Barela UD 6 May 5, 1989 Showboat, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 Anthony Barela UD 6 Mar 3, 1989 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Carlos Peralta KO 2 (4), 2:56 Feb 9, 1989 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Agustin Silva TKO 4 (4), 2:38 Dec 15, 1988 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Joey King PTS 4 Nov 10, 1988 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Vicente Arias TKO 1 (4), 2:35 Oct 27, 1988 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Willie Barnes TKO 2 (4) Sep 8, 1988 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.

References
  1. Slater, James (19 December 2018). "On This Day: Naseem Hamed beats Kevin Kelley in barnburner". Boxing News. Retrieved 26 April 2022.
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