I know I know, its been talking about a bunch of times. After watching Ali vs Frazier 3 for the umpteen time, I made an observation. BTW i included a link at the bottom to the vid because everyone should check out the rest of this guys Ali edits. Each vid has some unseen pre fight activity! Anyways the observation I made is that in Round 3 Ali lays on the ropes and lets Frazier pound his kidneys and then comes back with this hellacious flurry! Frazier had a powerful punch, yes Tyson probably hit harder but I think Ali takes Tyson's punishment on the ropes for a few rounds. Eventually Tyson gets frustrated and Ali beats him down all night! This being an older Ali of course. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gDnzOj-1xY
It would never work. Unlike Foreman, Tyson had a great variety of punches and tremendous speed. Ali would have frustrated him a bit, but many hooks would still get through and serious damage would be done. To say that Tyson had no mental fortitude is ridiculous. He had a ton of it. Yes, he lost it in the second Holyfield fight and he quit against McBride when well shot, but this myth that's developed suggesting Tyson lacked heart is ridiculous. He fearlessly attacked men much bigger than himself throughout his career. A few of them didn't go down, like Smith, Tucker, Ruddock, but he stayed on them like glue, winning virtually every round.
It might work, but it wouldn't be the best approach. Even for an old Ali. Unlike Foreman, Tyson was the right dimensions and style to effectively contain in clinches. Ali wouldn't have to block so many punches with his arms against Tyson, he'd get a hold of Mike easier than he could Foreman. Either way Ali would have to absorb a fair bit of punishment but he was exceptionally tough.
Excellent point, as Im both a fan of Tyson and Ali. I was using Frazier as an example because his stature being somewhat like Tyson. I believe any man would have gotten frustrated after getting head butted multiple times for 2nd straight fight! The media seems to overlook that and only focus on Tyson biting Holyfields Ear.
Ali could possibly do it. He was a strong guy and was very good at controlling an opponent in close by pulling their head down. He was a master at it. And, as you say, Mike was short, so Ali ought to have an easier time of it than say, against Foreman. I think Tyson could conceivably get frustrated and reckless as a result.
Unlike Foreman and LIKE Tyson, Joe Frazier through sharp accurate hooks to the body. Ali took Frazier's best shots and got nothing but angry! Tyson's signature combo was the hook to the body and then the uppercut, Ali was tough though...freakishly tough!