Professional Boxer. He was the WBA World Heavyweight Champion from 1968 until 1970. He grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and trained with his contemporary, Muhammad Ali, also a native of Louisville. After a successful amateur career, Ellis turned professional in 1961, initially as a middleweight. After Ali was stripped of the championship, Ellis participated in a staged tournament to determine the next title holder. He defeated Oscar Bonavena and Jerry Quarry (the later to win the title in 1968) and successfully defended his title against Floyd Patterson, before relinquished the belt to Joe Frazier in 1970. He lost to Ali in a 12-round technical knockout in 1971. He retired in 1975 after compiling a 40 win (24 knockout), 12 loss, 1 drawn record. Following his boxing career, he remained in the sport to work as a trained and later served in the Louisville Parks Department. He died of complications from Alzheimer's disease.
Professional Boxer. He was the WBA World Heavyweight Champion from 1968 until 1970. He grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and trained with his contemporary, Muhammad Ali, also a native of Louisville. After a successful amateur career, Ellis turned professional in 1961, initially as a middleweight. After Ali was stripped of the championship, Ellis participated in a staged tournament to determine the next title holder. He defeated Oscar Bonavena and Jerry Quarry (the later to win the title in 1968) and successfully defended his title against Floyd Patterson, before relinquished the belt to Joe Frazier in 1970. He lost to Ali in a 12-round technical knockout in 1971. He retired in 1975 after compiling a 40 win (24 knockout), 12 loss, 1 drawn record. Following his boxing career, he remained in the sport to work as a trained and later served in the Louisville Parks Department. He died of complications from Alzheimer's disease.
Bio by: C.S.
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