Muhammad Ali in a division of Shannon Briggses

Muhammad Ali from just before the Cooper fight is placed in a heavyweight division that consists exclusively of young, prime, and elderly versions of Shannon Briggs.

Every top 10 contender is Shannon Briggs at some stage of his career development. Usually -- in true Shannon Briggs fashion -- these top 10 contenders have received their slots by building up their KO records against very inexperienced or very old Shannon Briggses further down the totem pole.

The champion is presumably one of the near-prime versions of Shannon Briggs (or an older/younger Briggs who got lucky).

How does Ali do against this heavyweight division? Does he get the championship? Does he retain it? How long would his reign last?

 

He goes undefeated, Shannon Briggs at any stage of his career would only stand a chance against Ali after Manila and probably not even then I'd say more like after Shavers or Spinks fight Briggs may have a chance to beat that Ali.

 

He wins up until Shavers, imo. By then he was there to be had for a young, explosive Briggs. Until that point he is a very bad match-up for Shannon. Briggs was willing to be open for punches if it meant opening up his opponents -- but in the case of Ali, he still won't be there for the return.

 

Prime Briggs against that version of Ali would stand the best chance of beating him. Ali at that stage wasn't the whole package yet. He was still filling out physically. Any version of Briggs would lose to the Ali of the late 60's -mid 70's.

 

:deal

 

Leon's Ali beats George's Briggs.

 

Berbick's Ali vs Prime Briggs might be a good fight, but i think that Ali wins it on points.

Holmes' Ali surely couldnt pull off the win could he?

I also think that Debuting or young Ali might stand a pretty good chance of being KOd or beaten by any version of Briggs (due to inexperience) and Briggs size and power. I also think that Briggs who was big and powerful may have a chance to catch Ali on an off night over the course of Alis entire career though i wouldnt give any particular version of Briggs a better chance than the other. I would expect most fights to end in favour of Ali by TKO before the 7th or 8th round.

 

What a bizarre idea! Keep 'em coming.

 

Well.........This is certainly a very surreal one Clay/Ali beats Briggs,Briggs,Briggs,Briggs and Briggs easily. The only one that may put up a competitive battle before losing would be Briggs.

 

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that if he fights enough Briggs's, one of them smokes him early after landing a terrifying left hook. I have no idea which number Briggs that is.

 

That pretty much sums it up right there..

 

Sorry, Ali isn't getting smoked.

 

In reviewing this thread, I think this is the correct answer. Anybody can manage a good night with enough tries. And Briggs is a big, fast man with a good left hook and plenty of early stoppages.

The older, immobile Briggses lose relatively easily, and Ali would be well advised to cherry pick them. But the prime Briggses (who will be at the top of the heap, since upon reflection this is a murderous division for older fighters) will catch Ali at some point in one of his defenses.

 

I'm gonna say.. BRIGGS.

 

Imagine that. I have this feeling the elite Briggs would have older weaker Shannon’s in there service that would harass Ali leading up to the fight. Breaking into his house, threatening the “Champ” on the street pretty much never letting him sleep, breathe or go to the toilet in peace no matter how many restraining orders are in place there’s another Shannon in line...

The passing of the belt happens sooner rather then later as a sleep deprived Ali surrenders his belt to save himself from the madness.