16.01.04 – Kenny Ellis has been the most active middleweight contender in the world. In 2003, Ellis fought seven times going 6-1. His only loss was to Kingsley Ikeke for the NABO, NABF and NABA titles. Ellis lost the fight when an inexperienced fight doctor stopped the fight prematurely. Ellis was ahead on one judge’s card and was tied on two others. Ellis had a cut on the bridge of his nose that most fight doctors wouldn’t have even looked at. Kenny is 1-0 in 2004 already. That is eight fights in one year. Kenny Ellis has fought tough journeyman opponents with winning records. Two of his fights were last minute replacements. Now it looks as if they are considering Alex Bunema, a light middleweight, to fight Taylor.
THE CASE FOR ELLIS
In the past year, Ellis has a 7-1 record.
Since April 2001, his opponents have a combined record of 193-52-5 – The bum of the month club.
His opponents combined record winning percentage is 78.7%.
Kenny’s record is 32-5-2 (21 KO’S)
Ellis was ranked as high as #3 in the WBO World Rankings last year.
THE CASE AGAINST BUNEMA
Fought four times in 2003.
2003 opponents’ combined records are 99-414-21.
2003 opponents’ combined winning percentage is 19.2%.
Not a middleweight – Bunema is a light middleweight.
ELLIS TALKS – A LETTER FROM KENNY ELLIS
To Whom It May Concern:
Everyone in this sport is always asking what is wrong with it? Well, for one thing, how does a fighter get a chance at a big fight like this? I’ve done everything under the sun for a fight like this! I have been active. I have been fighting guys with good records. I have literally lived in the gym the past year. I have put together a great team: from my promoter, Brian Halquist to my trainer Greg Haugen, to my nutritionist and conditioning coach Dave Grisaffi. I have nothing to say regarding Alex Bunema other than he does not deserve this fight. Look who he has fought. Look how many times. Look at his opponent’s combined records. Look at their winning percentages. He is not even a middleweight. That will tell the story on Bunema. I respect Jermain Taylor. I will beat Taylor. He has never fought a fighter of my caliber before. He is young and does not have the experience that I have. I will take this kid to deep water and drown him!
So what is wrong with this sport? People protect their fighters. They look for guaranteed wins. They invest lots of money and can’t afford to have their fighters lose. Are Jermain’s people afraid of me? Am I not good enough for HBO? My television fights have always been exciting. Is HBO afraid to have Jermain lose? HBO – I will fight for you after I beat Taylor. I’ll fight anyone, anywhere in the world. If not Taylor, how about Cristian Sanavia or Bert Schenck? These guys are good journeymen at best. What is wrong with this sport? Guys like me with a 32-5-2 (21 KO’s) record can’t fight guys in the top ten because they are protected! Let’s stop the bullshit and get it on!! Jermain, Lets fight!!!
Signed,
Kenny “The Emerald City Assassin” Ellis
HALQUIST ON ELLIS – TAYLOR
“Hopefully we will get the Taylor fight” said Ellis promoter Brian Halquist. “If not, we would love to fight Bert Schenk or Felix Sturm, two of the most protected fighters in the division. Those guys can’t stand up to a good American fighter”, Halquist said. “Universum, Bert Schenk and Felix Sturm – We are here – Let’s go! The Bunema – Taylor fight is a joke compared to Ellis – Taylor. Look at the facts and figures. It tells it all!”
The case has been stated. Only time will tell if Kenny Ellis will be afforded the chance that he has diligently worked for and deserves.