Derrell Coley

Derrell "Too Sweet" Coley, born on October 30, 1955, in Capitol Heights, Maryland, was a formidable presence in the welterweight division during the 1990s and early 2000s. Standing at 5'11" with a reach of 75.2 inches, Coley's physical attributes made him a challenging opponent for many in the 147-pound weight class.

Coley made his professional debut at Coolidge High Fieldhouse on July 21, 1990, winning a unanimous four-round decision against Darrick Johnson. He quickly made a name for himself, amassing an impressive record of 29-1-2 by March 1997. This run included a notable bout against the highly skilled Oba Carr in 1995, where Coley suffered a narrow defeat, his first professional loss.

Coley's technical prowess was evident throughout his career. He showcased a combination of speed, power, footwork, and technical skills that made him the quintessential boxer-puncher.

One of the most memorable fights in Coley's career came in March 1997 when he faced Kip "Top Kat" Diggs for the vacant NABF welterweight title in Oxnard, California. The fight was a back-and-forth affair in which both fighters hit the canvas multiple times. Coley, despite being down on the scorecards and having been knocked down three times, managed to turn the tables in the 10th round with a head-snapping right cross that put Diggs on Queer Street. He then closed the show in the 11th with a straight right followed by a jarring uppercut, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat in a fight that boxing aficionados still talk about today.

Coley's career reached its zenith when he faced Oscar De La Hoya on February 26, 2000, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The fight, billed as "The Return of the Golden Boy," was for the vacant IBA welterweight title and served as a WBC welterweight title eliminator. Despite entering as a 14-1 underdog, Coley managed to stagger De La Hoya in the fourth round with a straight right. However, De La Hoya's class ultimately shone through, and he stopped Coley in the seventh round. This fight against one of boxing's biggest era stars highlighted Coley's status as a world-class contender.

Coley's professional career lasted 13 years and ended on August 9, 2003. Throughout his journey in the squared circle, he faced several world-class fighters and participated in multiple title bouts. His final professional record was an impressive 38-2-2, with 27 of his victories coming by way of knockout, showcasing his punching power.