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.
………………………………..........................................................................
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