KELLEY SHOWS FLASHES OF PAST IN DECISION WIN

By George Elsasser



 

 



 


Former featherweight champion Kevin Kelley opened the ESPN Tuesday Nite summer series - at the legendary Blue Horizon fight club in Philadelphia town - with a unanimous decision win over a game but out skilled Jose Reyes.

Was a younger "Flushing Flash" that claimed the featherweight title over Gregorio Vargas some 11 years ago, but the today age 37 version displayed enough flashes to keep a flickering flame alive for still another title run.

Kelley punctuated the win with a counter right hook knockdown of Reyes in stanza nine that summed things up in a surprisingly closely scored affair - official tallies went unanimous Kelley 96-93, 95-94, 95-94.

This neutral corner had it Kelley 98-91 in points and 8-2 in rounds.

Just how far a slowed version of  the former "Flushing Flash" can go in a today loaded in talent collection of 130 pounders is questionable. Still, the veteran showed enough against a spirited, energized, Jose Reyes, to get the opportunity to test the waters.

A Nate Campbell, Carlos Hernandez, Jorge Barrios would likely provide the answers to what realistically lies ahead for the likable Kelley.

Kelley now stands at 56-6-2, 37 while Reyes drops to 17-2, 6.
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Semi-final heavyweight action saw young "Fast" Eddie Chambers breezing to a lopsided unanimous decision win over veteran Ross Puritty who took the fight on two week notice.

Chambers showed quick hands and good movement against the age 37 plodder Puritty with nothing better than the proverbial puncher’s chance.

Chambers remains undefeated with a now 23 wins and 13 stoppages while Puritty drops to 30-19-3 and 27 knockout wins.

Chambers has room to grow at a now age 23 … jury not as yet picked, but the kid is worthy of future consideration for other potential prospects.

GEL   

5-18-2005


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