All this nonsense about him being called the "ghost" because of his supposedly great defense is just that - nonsense. First of all, it doesn't make sense. Defense is Kelly's biggest weakness. This would be similar to nicknames such as Alejandro "Lightning Hands" Berrio, or Audley "Iron Chin" Harrison. He also didn't start using this story till he had 10 or so fights under his belt. The truth is, during an amateur event in 1996, he was one the few caucasians. The boxers, who were predominantly African American, called him the "ghost warrior." His present story was probably manufactured to avoid any race issues. If you want proof, watch the ESPN broadcast of Pavlik vs Randolph.
I've always heard it WAS because of his pasty skin, not anything else. I mean, Joe Louis wasn't called "The Brown Bomber" and Nigel Benn wasn't "The Dark Destroyer" for reasons other than skin color. Nothing wrong with a skin-related nickname so long as the fighter is ok with it, and it's not derugatory.
True, but in the HBO broadcast they were saying how he was named after his defense. Ghosts are hard to hit... or something like that.
i always knew it was because of his pasty ass skin:yep. though that does'nt detract from his being a good fighter.
It must have sucked. Every fighter trying to get at you because they assume you're bad for being white.
LOL at Casper, he was riduculed by black boxers becasue he can't BOX!!!!! This stupid Ohioian is in for a rude awakening in 2008 when he racks up loss after loss after loss. With him having the titles, he will have no choice but to fight elite fighters now and they will undress and expose him. These are NOT truck drivers and lawn mowers from Ecuardor, Pavlik.....you stupid excuse for a boxer, these are elite fighter you will now be facing. Good luck keeping up the pace, Arum can't protect you now!
Not true! I heard Joe Louis was known as "the Brown Bomber" because he left stinky floating "bombs" in the bowl! :deal
That just goes to show you how misinformed the HBO team is. I doubt anyone on here believed that story. Also, calling white boxers ghost has been mainstream popular ever since that movie with Gooding Jr. - Gladiator.