by James Slater: Kevin Kelley, the former featherweight champion of the world, was at the big Calzaghe-Hopkins fight in Vegas at the weekend, and the word is “The Flushing Flash” is going to fight again. Speaking to 15 Rounds.com, Kelley, now aged 40, told of his plans to appear on the under-card of the upcoming Shane Mosley Vs. Zab Judah match in May. Apparently, Kelley will box 36 year old Julio Gamboa of Nicaragua..
“I don’t call it a comeback, ” Kelley told 15 rounds.com “I never leave. I only take fights that make sense. I mean, there are certain fights I’d take in a heartbeat – a rematch with “The Prince” [Naseem Hamed]. I’d take that fight in a second! I’m supposed to be fighting Julio Gamboa, I asked Shane Mosely to do me a favour and get me a fight on his card [against Zab Judah],” Kelley explained.
Now a successful and very capable commentator, Kelley’s return to the ring after an eighteen month absence will likely come as a surprise to some fans. But, as Kelley explained, he has never really been away – at least with regards to being in the gym and keeping his eye out for a suitable fight. Kelley has reportedly been sparring with, and holding his own against, the unbeaten WBO super-featherweight champion Joan Guzman. Now, against the 28-12-2(17) Gamboa, Kelley is going to be fighting again for real.
It’s difficult to tell with Kelley what he has left. In his last ring appearance, in November of 2006, the flashy southpaw held his own in his bout with tough Mexican Manuel Medina – losing only by a majority verdict in their IBF 130 pound title final eliminator. That performance proved Kelley is no shot fighter. But, in his fight with Bobby Pacquiao, five months earlier, it looked as though Kelley’s punch resistance had severely diminished, as he was stopped inside 4 rounds. Kevin SHOULD beat Gamboa. But what will such a win mean?
Gamboa is a decent fighter, but he has not won a fight since back in 2002. Losing in fairly big fights against the likes of Daniel Ponce De Leon and Adam Carrera recently, in bouts that contested minor titles, Gamboa was at least competitive. Not a big puncher, the Nicaraguan will not likely be able to hurt the still quick Kelley. Unless he has gone back farther than expected, “The flushing Flash” should win a comfortable decision in May. After that, however, and what the win will lead to, who knows?