LYNN — Next Wednesday will be a day to remember for Lynn native Rashida Ellis, as Mayor Thomas M. McGee, members of the City Council and the rest of the city will welcome home the 2020 Olympic boxer following her trip to Tokyo for the Summer Games.
A parade will run from the steps of Lynn English High School — Ellis’ alma mater — all the way down Chatham Street before making a turn onto Essex Street and finally stopping on the steps of City Hall.
There, a short ceremony to honor Ellis and her Olympic accomplishments will take place. The parade, which will feature escorts from both the Lynn Police and Fire departments, will run from 4:45 to 5 p.m.
Ellis’ quest for Olympic gold came to an end last Thursday night, as the 26-year-old lightweight fell by a 3-0 split decision to Great Britain’s Caroline Dubois in a Round of 16 bout at Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo. Among the five judges, three scored the fight a win for Dubois and two scored it as a draw.
The fight was about as even as could be, from start to finish. The start of the first round was more about the two fighters feeling each other out, with Dubois trying to establish her dominant jab and Ellis using her strong footwork to keep the punches at bay. But Dubois was able to land a few key shots near the end of the round, and three judges scored the round a win for Dubois.
While Ellis came out strong in the second round and landed some good punches, Dubois pushed the pace once again and was awarded, with three judges giving her a win in the round. From there, Ellis needed a knockout in order to make up the ground she lost in the first two rounds. She came out more aggressive and tried to score the winning blow, but Dubois was able to use her height and reach advantage to stay at a distance and survive until the final bell.
Ellis trains at Private Jewels Fitness in Lynn and has made plans to turn professional following the Olympic Games.
