Vacated by the organization a year earlier when it ceased recognition of childhood friend Muhammad Ali for refusing to enter military service, Ellis captured the vacant WBA title by defeating Jerry Quarry on April 27, 1968. He would reign as champion until being defeated in 1970 by Joe Frazier.
Ellis would continue boxing until 1975. Today though he suffers from dementia pugilistica, he remains active in the Louisville community, working with youth groups, senior citizens, and young aspiring fighters.
Ellis, meanwhile, was matched against a tough Philadelphia heavyweight named Leotis Martin, a converted southpaw with a record of 24-1, the best mark of any of the eight men in the tournament.
Ellis had his nose broken in the first round of the fight and was soundly beaten by the erstwhile champ from the ninth round on.
At the end of the day, Ellis should be regarded as one who always gave his best effort, as one who exhibited an abundance of heart, and as one who seized the opportunities that Providence laid at his feet in those glory-filled months between the summer of 1967 and the early months of 1970.
James Albert "Jimmy"Ellis (born February 24, 1940) was a prizefighter from Louisville, Kentucky.
On February 16, 1970, Ellis fought Joe Frazier, who was recognized as World Heavyweight Champion by the New York State Athletic Commission, to unify the world title.
Ellis' last fight was on May 6, 1975, which he won by a knock out in the first round.
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