| Jimmy Ellis was a good fighter with a nice combination of punches, although he lacked big power. He was also pretty quick and smart in the ring. Ellis' career started in 1961 against Arley Safer in Ellis hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Ellis won by Ko in the third round to get his career started on the right track. Ellis early career record wasn't sparkling, he had a 14-5 record after losing to future trainer George Benton in 1964. Ellis soon after had his tonsils removed and moved from middleweight to heavyweight after gaining 25 or 30 pounds. At this point an exhibition tour with Muhammad Ali taught young Ellis a couple things and the most productive part of his career was soon starting. He beat tough Chuck Leslie over 10 rounds and beat Billy Daniels over 6 rounds to put his record at (19-5). Three more wins propelled Jimmy into a WBA eliminator fight against Leotis Martin. Ellis knocked Martin out in the 9th round which set him up for another eliminator bout against Oscar Bonavena. Ellis won a good 12 round decision over Bonavena to get a title shot against Jerry Quarry. For more on the Quarry fight click the link to the right that says Jerry Quarry. After winning the title, Ellis took on former world champ Floyd Patterson. Ellis took a very controversial decision from Patterson to hold on to the title. Having the title Ellis took 1969 off before fighting undefeated Joe Frazier in early 1970. For more on Frazier vs Ellis click on the Joe Frazier link. After losing the title, Jimmy beat tough guys Tony Doyle and Gorge Chuvalo to get a shot at the vacant NABF championship against old friend Muhammad Ali. Ali beat Ellis with a 12th round knockout that set Ellis off to start another wining streak. Against average competition, highlighted by Harold Carter, Ellis won 8 fights in a row to set up a clash with top prospect Earnie Shavers. Shavers KO'd Ellis in one round to set Ellis on a tailspin to finish his career. Ellis was (2-4-1) in his last 7 fights to finish his career. After a win against Memphis Al Jones, Ellis lost his next fight to Boone Kirkman. Ellis then drew with Larry Middleton before losing a decision to Ron Lyle in mid 1974. Jimmy then lost to Joe Bugner and Joe Frazier to end 1974. Frazier knocked Ellis out in 9 rounds, but not wanting to finish on a sour note, Ellis came back and beat to beat Carl Baker in a one round knockout to finish his career. Jimmy Ellis was a fine champion who did battle with some of the best fighters ever. |
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