Why Joe Louis would've beaten Muhammad Ali.

As for the actual match-up... Good arguments can be made for both. And I really hate to pretend to be able to make any sure predictions when it comes to two fighters of their supreme quality.

If there would be a difference, I'd say that that would mainly consist of boxing probably evolving somewhat in the almost three decades separating the fighter's primes. Just as I see the best of the 90's having a similar possible edge on Ali.

But Ali and Louis were both 2.0 versions of their respective eras, although in different fashion.

 

Agreed

 

Nothing "evolved" to be better than Joe Louis as a hwt. Different styles sure but not "better".

 

I'm sorry, but I don't see anyway prime Louis beats a prime Ali. Joe had dynamite in both hands, had a warriors heart. But prime Ali foot speed and right hand quickness (lead or behind the jab) was so dynamic. And factor in Louis susceptibility to the right hand, l just dont see it. And Ali at 210-212 could float all night long, and still was bigger then Louis. No heavywieght in history from now to Jim Corbett beat a prime Ali. Just my opinion.

 

I fear that you are putting Ali on a pedestal a bit.

It is fair enough to say that he was the greatest heavyweight of all time, indeed it is a very plausible thesis, but being the greatest heavyweight of all time does not make you unbeatable, or anywhere close to it!

 

Well. It is all speculation but just by logic.. If he is considered the greatest he should be favored in a fantasy match.based on i watched of both men Luis would have no chance against a prime ali, no chance

 

That's a fair point. Louis has a puncher's chance. I'd need good odds to put my money on Louis in that fight though.

 

Watch more Louis.

 

To say that somebody has a punchers chance, at this level, is the ultimate insult!

Mac Foster would have a punchers chance, which would not be worth two buckets of warm spit!

 

Watch Ali's footwork in the first 3 rounds against Cooper, then come back and tell me Joe Louis could handle that kind of agility. Don't ever forget he tried to hold Cooper up for 2 rounds after that to fulfill his prediction of a 5th round stoppage, and he slowed considerably, and thus started to get caught. In the 5th he got back up on his toes and slashed Coopers eye like a knife through butter.

 

Sorry but he did not have more fights

 

Ali I think (having watched a lot of both men) would absolutely give Louis all kinds of problems. Louis never saw anyone that big AND that fast, even if you get Ali to the ropes and work the body, which Louis would have enough issues with Ali never really lost his legs as a result. He was the only guy I've ever seen take such nasty body shots and still retain his ability to move with speed. The writer was right about the counter jab though. But let's not discount Ali's finishing ability either, If he hurt you you were looking at 14 punch combinations coming in at shocking speed for a man that big.

Ali in a 12-3 decision.

 

The thing is prime Louis had incredibly quick pinpoint accurate fists with real ko power in each and he threw every punch perfectly.

I too believe Ali would outbox Joe for the win but at the same time I wonder how Ali is going to take Louis blows that will hit him as counters at times where he may be off balance. I see Louis catching Ali in every round with very hard blows .....this won't be a cake walk for any Ali as Joe was the best of the best.

It's Ali's toughness that gets him the win here. A lesser boxer, a non ATG boxer would get KOed.

 

Never said he was unbeatable, no man is unbeatable but say it this way Ali on his greatest night beats any other heavy on his greatest night. The biggest threat would in my opinion would be Holmes or Lewis, because of their size and jabs. Both were excellent with it. Joe had a very good fast jab but he always seemed to drop it, leaving him open to lead right hands Ali's 2nd best weapon.

 

Good article. Not the best written, but some good insights.