Unsung hero: Big Jeff’s dedication fuels local boxing scene
As a sparring partner to the like of Kallie Knoetze and Gerrie Coetzee 40-odd years ago, Jeff Ellis could always be relied upon to provide the top heavyweights with decent work.
He was tough and sturdy and knew his job. He hung about and proved his value repeatedly.
He may be heavier, older, and more grey, but the work ethic of old remains for one of South African boxing’s most hard-working servants.
Ask anyone who has ever witnessed Ellis at ringside. He seldom sits down. He can’t. His role as general dogsbody means that he participates in everything. He ensures people are in the right seats, he chases after boxers and mangers, he liaises with local officials, he takes care of the casino bosses, he sells tickets, chats to sponsors, he settles bills and occasionally he even throws out rowdy fans.
By any estimation, he might be the hardest working personality in South African boxing.
Several years ago, Mauricio Sulaiman, president of the World Boxing Council, marvelled at Ellis’ energy and presented him with a memento of appreciation.
For over two decades, Ellis has been Golden Gloves’ go-to man for the many jobs required to pull off a successful promotion. He is unfailingly willing to roll up his sleeves and do the unglamorous work. He is also a boxing sage and there are few figures in the local game he doesn’t know by name. He can tell you which fights will excite and which will flame out; his instincts are legendary.
The big man is also South African boxing’s foremost collector of boxing photographs and assorted paraphernalia. Many date back over 100 years with his precious collection featuring priceless autographs from many of the greats.
He’s done it all in the fight game, from being a boxer himself to managing, promoting, and even wearing a suit as a fight official.
Ellis is never happier than when he is around boxing.
However, not all occasions are joyful.
Late last Friday, for instance, he was figuratively in Yanga Sigqibo’s corner when he collapsed in the Emperors Palace changeroom following his losing bout against IBO champion Ricardo Malajika.
Ellis not only alerted the local hospital, but he was also on hand to ensure Sigqibo was admitted without fuss, and he stayed until doctors had stabilised the stricken fighter.
He was back early the next day to check on him and even brought him a change of clothes. Inevitably, Ellis also fielded calls from concerned people wanting to know about the boxer.
“He has amazing empathy for the fighters and genuinely cares for them,” says Rodney Berman, who largely leaves Ellis to his own devices. “The work he does is remarkable and his value isn’t totally appreciated. South African boxing would be far poorer without him.”
