Overview
- A dedication ceremony on Thursday, June 25, 2026, installed the new Hometown Hero banner for Jimmy Ellis on the Murphy Elevator Building on East Main Street in downtown Louisville.
- The banner image shows Ellis raising his hands in victory after his 1968 WBA championship win over Jerry Quarry, visually tying the tribute to his peak achievement.
- Ellis rose from winning the 1961 National Golden Gloves at 160 pounds to move up to heavyweight, capture the vacant WBA World Heavyweight title in 1968, and hold it until his 1970 loss to Joe Frazier.
- The banner is part of Louisville’s Hometown Hero program and was placed with support from local organizations including the Greater Louisville Pride Foundation to honor residents whose achievements shape civic memory.
- The posthumous tribute recognizes Ellis’s later work as a trainer and community volunteer and reinforces downtown place-making that keeps local sports history visible to residents and young athletes.