On this day in 1997, 24 years ago (that was my reaction too), Prince Naseem Hamed was defending his WBO Featherweight title against Kevin Kelley. Hamed was well known for his knockout power with all but two of his professional contests ending early.
The fight took place at Madison Square Garden, and was Hameds USA debut, in one of the best and most prestigious arenas in the country. Kelley had a record of 47-1-2 going into the fight and was previously a WBC champion.
The fight lasted four rounds and was action packed throughout before Nazs power ended the fight.
????ON THIS DAY: Hamed v Kelley war????
?Back in 1997 Naseem Hamed and Kevin Kelley gave us one of the most thrilling featherweight contests in history???? pic.twitter.com/iKcrD7HvNy
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) December 19, 2021