Foreman 1974 v Ali 1977/Ali 1974 v Shavers 1977

Ali of Zaire '74 stops Shavers.
Ali of '77 would have taken Foreman way more seriously than Shavers and would have rose to the occasion. Much tougher fight for Ali in '77 but I think Ali would still wear George down and pull out the victory. Fighting a '74 Foreman in '77 would have been a much bigger challenge for Ali without question.

 

To elaborate: A much bigger challenge to fight a '74 Foreman than Shavers.

 

I agree with Clark.

If Ali beat Shavers in 1977, then weather or not he'd beat him in his 1974 version should be a no brainer. As for a 1974 Foreman fighting Ali in 1977, I think it would be a nightmarish fight for Ali, but one that he could still possibly win.

 

Reading some of the very valid comments on this thread so far, is a reminder of the total G Ali really was

 

Ali beat Foreman by keeping his head down (thus wearing him out) and sheer willpower as much as anything else. He could still do this in 77.

He'd have a chance despite how horribly faded he was.

 

How long do you think it would last? I see Foreman brutally battering him to a stoppage within 5 rounds.

 

Oh yeah no doubt. I'm not one of those guys that claim that Ali was taking a shellaking for 8 rounds before an exhausted Foreman simply collapsed to the canvas.
Just that Ali still had his willpower in 77 which let him take Foremans shots, and would still be able to tie him up and tire him out. Whether he'd be successful I don't know.

 

Ali totally outclasses him, Shavers swings & misses every round while eating counter righthands, then Ali finishes him with a combination in the 6th.