FRAZIER, JOE-JIMMY ELLIS I WIRE PHOTO (1970)

In 1967 Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali was stripped of his title for refusing induction into the armed services. The 1964 Olympic Heavyweight Gold Medalist Joe Frazier emerged as the best of a group of up and coming heavyweights during this period (1967-1970) when Ali was forced into retirement. Frazier won the New York version of the Heavyweight Title on March 4, 1968 stopping Buster Mathis in 11 rounds. He defended that title 4 times. On February 16, 1970 Frazier met Jimmy Ellis at New York's Madison Square Garden to determine the new Heavyweight Champion. Ellis could not stand up to Frazier's onslaught and was stopped in 5 rounds. Offered here is an original wire photo depicting action during this bout.
This is an original United Press International wire photo with caption on the front. Bold, clear image. Clean front and back. Not creased or torn. Minor edge wear, 8 1/4" x 9 3/4."