Freddie Kelly

Name: Freddie Kelly
Birth Name: Ferdinand D'Alfonso
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Died: 1973-12-01 (Age:81)
Pro Boxer: Record

Fernando D'Alfonso was born 8 o'clock at night at 1900 Goodman Street, Philadelphia, PA. The community was commonly known as Dutch Settlement, which is located in the 43rd Ward of Philadelphia.

Mama Mia Filoment and Papa Emilino were quite proud of their new bambino and both had great expectations for his pursuing the trade of which his father was a master mechanic, that of a stone mason. With his being a very obedient child and when quite young he became a water boy under the supervision of his father. He started his trade early in life and before he reached the age of 16 he launched a new career, that of a professional boxer. His parents considered his new venture all great foolishness and despite their chagrin at the turn of events Ferdiando D'Alfonso thus became FREDDY KELLY.

With more than 300 fights from 1906 to 1918, we point with pride to his boxing record. It is interesting to note Freddy Kelly's initial bout was not only a main event but also was the first time he ever had a pair of boxing gloves on in his life. Our modest friend was with a group of his pals watching the boxing show at Wayne A.C., and one of the principles was taken ill when he was in his dressing room. The promoter announced to the audience he needed a substitute to box Shine Brown and if anyone cared to act as a substitute they would receive $25.00. Freddy's friends thought highly of him and persuaded him to accept and being such ab obliging person he agreed to box the thoroughly experienced and rugged Shine Brown to a draw.

Freddy Kelly was considered by one and all the hardest hitting light-weight of his day and all the fight fans of Irish extraction adopted him as their favorite son. With his tremendous hitting power most topnotch lightweights avoided him, therefore, forcing him to fight heavier men in the welterweight and middleweight division. He ended a glorious career by boxing one of the greatest champions the profession ever had, Benny Leonard. This bout was in 1918 during World War I for the benefit of Soldiers Tobacco Fund.

After Freddy retired he became a night club tycoon and it was in his establishment where final arrangements were made for the Dempsey and Tunney bout during the Sesqui-Centennial. He also was one of Philadelphia's outstanding florists for more than 28 years. Over the years he has had his share of success both as a boxer and a businessman. Also, he never complained when disappointment, grief and sadness came his way. His intestinal fortitude was an asset throughout his life.

Freddy Kelly has the distinction of being the first and only Pennsylvania lightweight champion to retire undefeated.