'67 Ali versus '74 Foreman

ali never could beat foreman outboxing him, foreman did cut the ring pretty well, still ali had the durability, the magic and everything.. he would find the way to win a decision in a hard fight

 

I'm going with Ali, I don't think he would have knocked Foreman out because at that stage of his career he would have danced more and wouldn't have been sat on the ropes absorbing punishment making Foreman tire himself out, he'd win on points IMO.

 

Yeah and he was later hit by probably the hardest puncher in the division in Shavers and never went down, anybody will go if hit with the right shot.

 

I wouldn't say so, Ali would have more than likely gone down from those shots at any point in his career IMO.

 

67 Ali would have won a wide decision over Foreman with a decent chance at a late stoppage. He would have just made Foreman look silly with his movement all night long.

 

Brilliant hypothetical.

I think Ali finds a way. Just as he did when they did meet years later.

 

Good point ... I remember Kenny (not exactly the strongest puncher of the 70s gang) freaking breaking Ali's jaw and he stil didn't go down...

I will go for 67's Ali managing somehow to defeat Foreman 74. Simply put, his mental agility, lighting reflexes, speed and ring generalship would have carried him to the victory... and his iron chin would help too

 

Yep. Peak Ali speed, especially foot, would have obviated the need for the ropes.

 

A no brainer for me. Ali would have beaten Foreman by what was for him,a more conventional method. Floating like a butterfly as well as stinging like a bee.

Ali by late rounds tko after being streets ahead on points

 

I think what some people are missing is how much stronger and more savvy Ali was in the 70's.
He manhandled Foreman in their 74 fight but Cooper did the same to Ali in the 60's!

Ali was more well rounded later in his career, the only thing is his opponents were better and/or fresher, too.