It's interesting to hear Foreman compare it to Hagler - Hearns. Personally, I think the Naz - Kelly round where they both hit the deck is better than the opening round of H - H. And overall the fight is better. Why is Naz - Kelly never really mentioned in best fights ever?
Not sure about greatest fight. But it was DEFINATELY the greatest ring entrance ever. Legend http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WM1JM7YLIyU
It was Larry Merchant who compared it to Hagler vs Hearns, and its my favourite fight ever....you're not alone in that opinion
They traded knockdowns in round 2 (and 4 when Hamed touched down), but Hagler-Hearns round 1 had more consistent action than the 2nd of Hamed-Kelley. Anyway, a lot of the people who hold Hagler-Hearns in such high regard saw it live so they see it differently. It was a big fight and big event and there was the suspense factor of seeing two great fighters coming out in round 1 and trying to kill each other. Personally, I'd rank a whole boatload of fights as greater than Hagler-Hearns, but I didn't see Hagler-Hearns live (then again I didn't see a lot of those fights I rate above it live either).
I thought Hamed-Kelley was more worthy of winning The Ring's 1997 Fight of the Year than Gatti-Ruelas. Gatti-Rodriguez was among the numerous fights more worthy in 1996 than the winner, Holyfield-Tyson I.
Naz v Kelley is sloppyness of the highest order & very overrated IMO. Its not in the same league as Hagler Hearns.... ESPECIALLY THEIR 1ST RD. The best fight Ive seen was EM v MAB 1 & the only reason I put that above Hagler Hearns is because 12 rds are better than almost 3 but Marv & Tommy`s rd 1 was the best ever single rd in any division followed by Gatti Ward 1 rd 9 & the above mentioned EM MAB 1 rd 5. Foreman Lyle was good also but again too sloppy & didnt last long enough to be classed with the greatest ever fights IMO. Cheers.
****ing good point on Gatti Ward Rd.9. However, I put that as best round ever above Hagler Hearns 1, still they are both up as the most exciting three minutes ever. I'm one of those people that see slopfests as overrated but ridiculously entertaining. I'd take a 12 round morrales/barrera over a naz/kelly but it's fun to watch all the same. The suspense of not knowing who was gonna be knocked out was what made it so amazing.
I always felt Kelly was a better fighter and should have won, but Naz had played in his head and on his temper too much. I predicted at that point that another talented fighter, with a stronger mind would beat Naz and that he would lose is magic and would never be able to really come back in the game. It ended up worst then i expected. But boy was it exiting while it lasted, this fight in particular.
As far as non stop punching it doesnt compare with Hagler-Hearns. But its a different style of fight I love it. I remember seeing a couple Hamed fights then the Barrera fight live and hearing Lampley and company mention the Kelly fight as a win but I never knew what happened or seen it until one day I downloaded it and watched it and was pleasently suprised theres a reason ive deleted many fights but not that one and never will.
Barreras easily the best fighter he ever beat but dont try to act like Hamed aint fought any high level fighters or anything. Wayne McCullough(prime one),Wilfredo Vasquez,Kevin Kelly,Manuel Medina,Tom Johnson,Steve Robinson thats a fine resume.
Tremendous fight, but I do agree that it was a bit sloppy. Plus besides the knockdowns there really wasn't as much two action as hagler/hearns. Plus you have the drama of hagler's cut and him turning the tide after getting buzzed by hearns in the opening minute. The ko was a classic too as hearns slumped over like someone who had just gone 15 rounds.
