Jimmy Ellis 1940-2014

[billeau2]

Amen.... When I was a kid I thought none of these guys could die!

[Sugarj]

Very sad news. Rest in peace Jimmy.

Its been a shame to lose so many from this era over the last couple of years.

[Ben Bolt]

It's always sad to read -afterwards - about the fighters who were there, in the top 10 ratings, but that you, as an observer, always knew - unlike the fighters themselves - that they were never going to reach the very top spot.
In fact, they were only there to be beaten by THE champion at the time to increase his greatness.

Yet, without them - the ones just below the level to become unforgettables - boxing wouldn't be able to discern the truly greats from the nearly greats.

Jimmy Ellis, despite his courage never to avoid the best, didn't get any reward for his toil, but a 10-year battle against dementia pugilistica.

[Ray Corso]

His reward was living his life as he wished too. All fighters know the game they play in. Boxing is chess with life and death consequences at least you know who's trying to win over you. Your foe is right in front of you doing what you do.
Strange way of honoring a mans passing ben bolt , especially when your 12 days late!
Are you just trying to be profound. His dementia was obvious what's your excuse? :****you:
Ray.

[billeau2]

Another gone.....

Thats exactly how I feel. All my childhood icons are turning into old guys, then the die!

RIP Ellis was solid all the way around.

[rightsideup]

His reward was living his life as he wished too. All fighters know the game they play in. Boxing is chess with life and death consequences at least you know who's trying to win over you. Your foe is right in front of you doing what you do.
Strange way of honoring a mans passing ben bolt , especially when your 12 days late!
Are you just trying to be profound. His dementia was obvious what's your excuse? :****you:
Ray.

My father suffered from dementia from the age of 55 until he passed away at age 76. It could have been avoided with life style choices and my guess is more people are impacted by excessive alcoholism than pugilistic dementia yet drinking is socially acceptable to more of percentage of the population then boxing may be. Boxing has risks but lets look at the fighter's such as Max Schelling, Jake Lamotta, George Chavalo who have had many years of quality of life. I can also site examples such as gene tunny, jack sharky , jack dempsy that enjoyed healthy long lives. As usual Mr Corso you make a good insightful comment.

[Ben Bolt]

****you

You missed the point. The fighters who fell outside the spotlight are those who usually engage me the most.
And to who boxing is most beholden to.
In most other sports, we can assume the athletes will move on to a worthwhile life after career.
In boxing, we now it often isn't so. But then, we hardly care about it when they have stopped throwing punches.

[rightsideup]

You missed the point. The fighters who fell outside the spotlight are those who usually engage me the most.
And to who boxing is most beholden to.
In most other sports, we can assume the athletes will move on to a worthwhile life after career.
In boxing, we now it often isn't so. But then, we hardly care about it when they have stopped throwing punches.

I can understand your point a little better Ben but I may be one of the few that follows what happen's post career to not only fighter's but other sports such as basketball where players may either may have health issues or pass away suddenly like pistol pete maravich who played the game at such a high level but suffered from mental illness and alcoholism. I commend you caring about the athletes post career.

[Dynamite76]

Jimmy was a real good fighter, who in a different era, might have gone better than he actually did.I understand that he was real good friends with Greg Page's father, wonder if he had any input on Page's career.