Naseem Hamed last night retained his WBO featherweight title with a fourth round knockout against American Kevin Kelley at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Hamed had been put on the canvas three times by his opponent as Kelley dominated the early exchanges. But Hamed had Kelley down in the second and then twice in the fourth, with the second knockdown winning the fight for the champion.

After recovering from his disastrous start, Hamed knew he had to pull out something special and at the start of the fourth round there was much more urgency in his work. He dug in a left hook to Kelley's chin and doubled the punishment that sent Kelley down for the second time.

Kelley brought himself up at seven and then stung Hamed with a left and he had to take a standing count. Hamed looked dumbfounded by the referee's decision, but seconds later the fight was over.

Kelley was decked by a left hook, sunk to his knees and was clearly out of contention when the referee held out the full count.

Hamed's title was safe, but only after a catalogue of close calls. Kelley had given him a terrific run for his money but in the end Hamed's power was decisive.

One must have wondered what was running through the minds of Home Box office executives, who had ploughed $12 million into his next six fights.

Earlier, Robin Reid retreated through 12 rounds against challenger Thulane `Sugar Boy' Malinga at the London Arena and threw away his WBC Super-middleweight title.

Reid, in the fourth defence of his crown, lost a unanimous 117113, 115-114, 117-112 decision - and had nothing to complain about.