Best fights of Jimmy Ellis
Over 14 years as a professional, Jimmy Ellis compiled a 40-12-1 (24) record, including four title fights. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. Jimmy Ellis defeats Floyd Patterson
On September 14, 1968 Jimmy Ellis defended his WBA heavyweight title against Floyd Patterson. Ellis was 28 years old with a record of 26-5, and Patterson was 33 with a record of 46-6-1. Ellis was on a 11-fight winning streak, while Patterson was coming off a loss. Ellis won via points decision. Defended the title.
2. Jimmy Ellis defeats Oscar Bonavena
On December 2, 1967 Jimmy Ellis faced Oscar Bonavena in a heavyweight bout. Ellis was 27 years old with a record of 24-5, and Bonavena was 25 with a record of 31-3. Ellis was on a 9-fight winning streak and Bonavena was on a 10-fight winning streak. Ellis won via unanimous decision.
3. Jimmy Ellis loses to Muhammad Ali via KO
On July 26, 1971 Jimmy Ellis fought Muhammad Ali for the vacant WBC-NABF heavyweight title. Ellis was 31 years old with a record of 30-6, and Ali was 29 with a record of 31-1. Ellis was on a 3-fight winning streak, while Ali was coming off a loss. Ali stopped Ellis via TKO in the 12th round. Failed to win the vacant title. Lasted into the 12th round.
4. Jimmy Ellis defeats Jerry Quarry
On April 27, 1968 Jimmy Ellis fought Jerry Quarry for the vacant WBA heavyweight title. Ellis was 28 years old with a record of 25-5, and Quarry was 22 with a record of 26-1-4. Ellis was on a 10-fight winning streak and Quarry was on a 3-fight winning streak. Ellis won via majority decision. Won the vacant title.
5. Jimmy Ellis defeats George Chuvalo
On May 10, 1971 Jimmy Ellis faced George Chuvalo in a heavyweight bout. Ellis was 31 years old with a record of 29-6, and Chuvalo was 33 with a record of 63-16-2. Ellis was on a 2-fight winning streak and Chuvalo was on a 4-fight winning streak. Ellis won via unanimous decision.
6. Jimmy Ellis loses to Joe Bugner via points decision
On November 12, 1974 Jimmy Ellis faced Joe Bugner in a heavyweight bout. Ellis was 34 years old with a record of 39-10-1, and Bugner was 24 with a record of 48-6-1. Ellis was coming off a loss, while Bugner was on a 5-fight winning streak. Ellis lost via points decision. Went the distance with Bugner.
7. Jimmy Ellis loses to Ron Lyle via unanimous decision
On July 16, 1974 Jimmy Ellis faced Ron Lyle. Ellis was 34 years old with a record of 39-9-1, and Lyle was 33 with a record of 27-1-1. Lyle was coming off a win. Ellis lost via unanimous decision. Went the distance with Lyle.
8. Jimmy Ellis loses to Joe Frazier in their 2nd fight via KO
On March 2, 1975 Jimmy Ellis faced Joe Frazier in a heavyweight bout. It was their second meeting. Ellis was 35 years old with a record of 39-11-1, and Frazier was 31 with a record of 31-2. Ellis was on a 2-fight losing streak, while Frazier was coming off a win. Frazier stopped Ellis via TKO in the 9th round. Lasted into the 9th round.
9. Jimmy Ellis KOs Leotis Martin
On August 5, 1967 Jimmy Ellis faced Leotis Martin. Ellis was 27 years old with a record of 23-5, and Martin was 28 with a record of 24-1. Ellis was on a 8-fight winning streak and Martin was on a 15-fight winning streak. Ellis stopped Leotis Martin via TKO in the 9th round.
10. Jimmy Ellis KOs Carl Baker
On May 6, 1975 Jimmy Ellis faced Carl Baker. Ellis was 35 years old with a record of 39-12-1, and Baker was 0 with a record of 0-0. Ellis was on a 3-fight losing streak. Ellis stopped Carl Baker via KO in the 1st round.