Kelly started boxing at the early age of 11. He trained initially at the Spruce Grove Elks Club, the first service club in Spruce Grove, under the direction of Bob and Jim Titley. When Kelly was 14, he trained in Edmonton under Paul Hortie, who was a big influence and a great trainer for the young boxer. Kelly’s career was outstanding. He was Alberta Provincial champion nine times and Canadian National champion five times.

In 1977, he competed internationally in Ireland and in 1978, Kelly was one of only two western Canadians on Canada’s Commonwealth Games boxing team; and the only Albertan. Despite a badly-cut eye, a cut forehead, and a suspected broken nose, the light-middleweight defeated three men in four days to win the gold medal for Canada -- the first Canadian boxer in sixteen years to win gold.

In his honour, Mayor George Cuff and the Town Council declared August 11, 1978, “Kelly Perlette Day” in Spruce Grove.

In 1979, Kelly went on to win the bronze medal while competing in Greece at the Acropolis Cup. He was also selected to the 1980 Olympic Team, which unfortunately boycotted the Moscow Olympic Games.

Winning numerous Golden Gloves in Alberta, British Columbia, and in the United States, Kelly has won widespread admiration and respect for his skill, determination, and sportsmanship. He currently resides in Edmonton with his wife, Elaine, and their three children Craig, Tim and Matthew.