Feb. 28, 1964 - Enjoy tonight’s middleweight contest between Rubin (Hurricane) Carter and James Ellis. Ellis, a neighbor of Cassius Clay in Louisville who served as the champion’s sparring partner, is the shortender in the wagering at 3-to-1 odds.
Carter, the 26-year-old knockout artist from Paterson, N.J., is the No. 1 contender for the middleweight championship held by Joey Giardello. Ellis, 24, is not listed among the top 10 in the World Boxing Association ratings.
Nevertheless, Ellis will make his Garden debut with good credentials. He has won 14 bouts in 16 starts and has scored five knockouts. Ellis, in Clay’s words, “gave me all I wanted when we boxed in training. He’s the next middleweight champion, especially if he learns to talk more.” Carter has an overall record of 18-4, with 12 knockouts.
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