LYNN — Those who corner themselves across from Rashidi Ellis know what they’re dealing with: lightning-quick hands (hence the “Speedy” nickname), a stiff jab, and the intellect of someone with years of sparring sessions against Canelo Álvarez under his belt.
But the days of high school football, karate, and basement boxing (with mittens) are the foundations of a well-built, prime-time boxer raised in Lynn.
“Yes. Especially football and karate . . . a little discipline and athleticism there,” said the 32-year-old Ellis, an orthodox fighter with a professional record of 27-1.
From lining up at cornerback for Lynn Tech (East Lynn Pop Warner before that) to piling up amateur fights, it’s been a long, hard-working road for Ellis, who’s ranked No. 9 in the world by the World Boxing Organization (WBO).
That said, there’s a big box he hopes to check off.
“Being a world champion – I’m almost there,” said Ellis, who knocks out opponents 66.67 percent of the time. “I’m just worried about getting that belt.”
So, what’s the journey like for a belt-chasing star?
It starts in the gym. Ellis – who completes morning and night routines – does most of his damage at LFG Fitness in Salem, New Hampshire.
“Just keep on going. It’s a hard sport . . . but something good will come out of it,” he said. “Sundays are my family day, you could say – a rest day.”
Oh, and there’s lots of chicken, fish, and vegetables involved.
“I just stay away from fast foods, really . . . it’s not a secret to stay healthy, you know?” said Ellis, who admits to enjoying a juicy burger from time to time. “I still feel good and I still feel young. I treat my body good. I don’t smoke, I don’t drink, and I eat healthy, so I’ll be in the game for a while – and I barely get hit.”
But the 147-pounder will be the first to admit boxing is a “lonely” sport.
That’s what family is for.
His brother, Ronald, is a teammate on the Boston Butchers of the Team Combat League and fellow All-Star. His sister, Rashida, is a U.S. Olympian who fights for the Philadelphia Smoke (TCL).
“It’s for my family and the love of the sport,” Ellis said. “I have a lot of fun in there. I think you can see it in my style.”
When asked about the challenges of living in the boxing world, he pointed to cutting weight.
“Oh, man. It’s near-death. Other than that, everything else is fun.”
Yes, fun. On top of flashing his quick jab, Ellis can also be seen flashing his smile.
“That’s even in the name they gave me – I’m a savage with a smile. I’m always in a good mood – even when I’m in the ring.”
QUICK JABS
- Current WBC U.S. Silver Welterweight Champion
- Three-time New England Golden Gloves champion
- 3-0 with three KOs since partnering with CES Boxing
- Two of Ellis’ favorite fighters are Roy Jones and Pernell Whitaker
- More than 56,000 Instagram followers
- When asked to name a favorite moment of his career, Ellis pointed to a first-round knockout victory against Eddie Gomez: “Everybody thought I was going to lose”
