Kevin Kelley American professional boxer who competed in the featherweight and 2nd featherweight categories. World champion in the featherweight (WBC version, 1993-1995) weight category. Date of Birth: 29.06.1967 Country: USA

1. Kevin Kelley - American professional boxer
2. Early Career
3. The Fight with Derrick Gainer
4. Later Fights and Losses
5. Final Fight and Retirement

Kevin Kelley - American professional boxer

Kevin Kelley is an American professional boxer who competed in the featherweight and super featherweight weight divisions. He was born on December 29, 1967, in Flushing, New York.

Early Career

Kelley made his professional debut in September 1988 and quickly rose through the ranks. In December 1993, he defeated Gregory Vargas to become the WBC World Featherweight Champion. However, his reign was short-lived as he lost the title in January 1995 to Alejandro Gonzalez.

The Fight with Derrick Gainer

One of Kelley's most memorable fights took place in June 1996 against Derrick Gainer. Throughout the match, Kelley relentlessly pursued Gainer, attempting to knock him out. In the third round, Kelley landed a powerful right hook to Gainer's jaw, causing him to fall to the canvas. Gainer managed to get up, but Kelley continued to dominate. In the fourth round, Gainer retaliated with a series of combinations to Kelley's body, eventually knocking him down. Kelley managed to rise, but in the fifth round, he delivered a powerful left hook to Gainer's head, resulting in Gainer's knockout. Despite his determination, Kelley struggled to maintain distance and suffered from a hematoma in his right eye by the eighth round.

Later Fights and Losses

Kelley's career continued with both victories and losses. In December 1997, he was knocked out in the fourth round by Naseem Hamed. In July 1998, he faced a rematch with Derrick Gainer and was once again defeated. In September 2000, Kelley fought against Eric Morales for the WBC Super Featherweight interim title. Although Kelley showed resilience, Morales ultimately overwhelmed him, resulting in a knockout in the seventh round.

Final Fight and Retirement

Kelley's last notable fight took place in April 2003 against Marco Antonio Barrera. In the first round, Barrera delivered a devastating combination of punches, causing Kelley to fall to the canvas. Kelley managed to get up, but Barrera continued to pursue him. In the fifth round, Kelley initiated an attack, but Barrera swiftly countered with a series of powerful blows that ultimately led to Kelley's second knockdown. Kelley rose again, but Barrera's relentless assault prompted the referee to stop the fight. Despite his disappointment, Kelley accepted the decision.

After retiring from professional boxing, Kevin Kelley continued to be involved in the sport as a trainer and commentator. His career showcased his tenacity and determination, making him a respected figure in the boxing world.