Kennedy McKinney was a top flyweight and bantamweight in the USA in the mid-to-late 1980s, but from 1985-87 was always second or third at the US Amateur Championships. He came through in 1988 to win the US Olympic Trials and then added a gold medal in bantamweight at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
McKinney turned professional after the Olympics and won his first fight by TKO over David Alers in February 1989. He won various titles as a pro including the USBA super-bantamweight title (1992), the IBF super-bantamweight crown (1992), the WBU super-bantamweight championship (1995), and the WBO super-bantamweight title in 1997. In 1998 he lost a bout for the WBC featherweight title against Luisito Espinosa. McKinney ended his career in April 2003 after a loss by decision to Greg Torres. McKinney finished with a professional record of 36 wins (19 by KO), 6 losses, and 1 draw. He later coached boxing at the Prize Fight Gym in Southaven, Missisisippi.
United States