Ellis Favourite For World Title

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32221, 13 February 1970, Page 15

Ellis Favourite For World Title

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) NEW YORK. Except for those who will still recognise Cassius Clay as champion, an undisputed world heavy-weight boxing title-holder will be crowned at Madison Square Garden next Tuesday (New Zealand time).

In the ring will be Joe Frazier, of Philadelphia, already recognised as champion by six States, and Jimmy Ellis, of Louisville, once Clay’s sparring partner and now holder of the World Boxing Association’s version of the title.

I Probably at the ringI side will be Clay, the I third man in this boxing triangle, who has many I times challenged hoth I Frazier and Ellis without j being able to find anyone to promote the contest, |1 I Both Ellis and Frazier were!; (declared fit after a medical ! examination yesterday. | A smiling Ellis, the favour-;' lite, and a glowering Frazier ; [exchanged a handshake, but I no words, as they sat side-by- | side on a bench for the 15- , [minute examination by the . [doctor attached to the New , (York State Athletic Commis!sion. i “They are both in excellent . physical condition, and I ex- j ’[ pect them to give a great account of themselves,” Dr H. | .Kleiman said. ( i" Frazier was examined first ' i and while he was pushed and, [ [prodded. Etlis sat with his ' [back turned, talking to re-! iporters. When it was Ellis’s! ■turn, Frazier stood watching [, [intently and unsmilingly. [' After the check-up, the boxers posed together for [

photographs on the apron of the ring in which they will fight. Ellis was asked to put his ear near Frazier’s heart and listen for the heart beat. “I can’t hear one,” he mocked: i Frazier just grunted. For another picture, red i heart-shaped cardboard Vali entine Day cards were pinned over the hearts of both boxers. "Man, let’s get this off me and take a picture of the heart that’s going to win the title,” Frazier said. The previous day, both boxers had showed the effects of five weeks of intensive preparation during work-outs at the Garden. Ellis did not spar during a light training session. Frazier looked sluggish as he boxed four rounds. Frazier appeared angered by press reports that he was over-trained. The usually relaxed Ellis looked on edge land complained to Garden I officials that a punch ball was I too soft. I Each fighter will get 5150,000 or 30 per cent of the 'live gate and ancillaries. The gate is expected to be a capacity 20,500, bringing ini 5700.000. Frazier had the better record, unbeaten in 24 fights, including 21 knock-out wins. Ellis has won 27, lost five, and has scored 12 knock-outs. Other facts and figures of both fighters are: FRAZIER.— Age 26: weight, 14st 91b: height. sft HJln; reach. 73Mn: chest (normal), 42in: chest (expanded). 44in; biceps, 15in; forearm. 13in; waist. 34in; thigh, 26in : calf. ■ 13in: neck, 17Jin; wrist, 7in; I fist. 13in, ankle. Ilin. ELLIS.— Age. 29; weight. 14st: I height. 6ft lin: reach. 76in: chest (normal). 43in; chest (expanded). 444fn; bicens. 15)in: ; forearm. I2lin: waist. 34in: : thigh. 241 in; calf. 15in; neck, 17in; wrist. Sin: fist. 131 in; (ankle. 9}in.