Description

This striking vintage black-and-white boxing photo features Jimmy Ellis, the WBA World Heavyweight Champion from 1968 through 1970, frozen in a classic fighting stance that perfectly captures the grit and elegance of heavyweight boxing’s golden era. Ellis was a true contemporary of Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman, and for a brief but historic stretch, he sat atop the heavyweight world himself.

What makes this piece especially compelling is its period presentation. The top of the photo is hand-marked “Champion 1968–1970” and stamped “Young Summer ’70 – Miami Beach,” tying it directly to Ellis’ championship reign and public appearances during the peak of his career. Across the image is a large, flowing Jimmy Ellis autograph, accompanied by a handwritten date “7/31/87,” indicating a later signing by the champ himself.

The photo’s long, narrow format and aged paper give it the unmistakable feel of a vintage boxing promo or gym-wall display, exactly the type of piece collectors love because it feels authentic, not manufactured. The Everlast gloves, classic trunks, and poised stance all reinforce that this comes from an era when heavyweight champions were global icons.

Whether you’re a serious boxing collector, a fan of Ali-era heavyweights, or someone who appreciates rare sports history with real character, this signed Jimmy Ellis piece delivers championship-level presence. It’s not just a photo — it’s a heavyweight era captured on paper, waiting for its next ringside.

Condition

Please note all items are "as-is where-is".  We don't are not authenticators.  Many of the items in this auction are certified by a reputable 3rd party, but let's be honest, it's all opinion.  

Measurement

Terms and Conditions

1. All items are sold where is, as is.

2. Once payment is completed for item(s) won, the ability to schedule a pick-up time will become available. Scheduling a pick-up time is required.

3. There will be a $20 fee assessed per item not picked up at that time that will be collected prior to bidding again at our auctions. Unlike retail, we do not have the option to store your item. If the item is larger than a standard suitcase (22" x 14" x 10"), we will charge $50 to the card on file per item to move the item.

4. Please plan accordingly as items not picked up are considered "abandoned". Do not bid if you cant pick up this day.

5. You are responsible for ensuring you collect all items at pickup.

6. Legacy uses "Popcorn" or "Extended" bidding. This means if a bid comes in at the last second, it is extended 3 minutes. This is like a live auctioneer saying, "going once" to ensure all bids are exhausted prior to closing.

7. We charge a 12% flat buyers premium on all items.

8. We charge KY State Tax with the exception of vehicles which is collected at the DMV.

9. You must bring help to pickup any items. We can recommend movers upon request. Also, please bring tools for items that require disassembly.

10. Please read our complete terms and conditions for additional details.