LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — One of Louisville's greatest boxing champions was recognized with the city's newest Hometown Hero banner.
A dedication ceremony was held Thursday to honor Louisville native Jimmy Ellis, a former world heavyweight champion whose accomplishments helped cement the city's rich boxing legacy.
Ellis captured the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) World Heavyweight Championship in 1968 with a victory over Jerry Quarry. He held the title until 1970, when he lost it to fellow heavyweight champion Joe Frazier.
Before becoming a heavyweight champion, Ellis began his professional career as a middleweight. By the mid-1960s, he had successfully moved up to the heavyweight division, where he reached the pinnacle of the sport.
His boxing talent emerged at a young age through the Golden Gloves circuit. In 1961, Ellis won the National Golden Gloves championship in the 160-pound division, helping launch a professional career that would eventually lead to a world title.
"Jimmy worked hard, he fought hard, and he was always honest in the ring. He never went in the ring out of shape, he trained three months for every fight he ever had as far as the heavyweight," Ellis' brother, Jerry Ellis, said. "He would go to Miami and he wouldn't let anything distract him. So the hard work he put in is what led to this."
The Hometown Hero banner program recognizes Louisville residents whose achievements have made a lasting impact on the community and beyond. Ellis joins a growing list of local figures honored throughout the city for their contributions and accomplishments.
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