Louis / Ali...who had the bigger puzzle to solve?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by BlackCloud, Jun 2, 2018.


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  1. BlackCloud

    BlackCloud I detest the daily heavyweight threads Full Member

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    I have always had problems seeing Joe beating Muhammad, especially if it was a one off affair.
    Rematch may be a different proposition....maybe.

    So, assuming this is a single meeting, i cannot see Louis solving the conundrum that Ali would present.
    The constant movement.
    The right hand leads.
    The chin.

    Only one winner for me.

    Arguments otherwise?
     
    BlackCloud, Jun 2, 2018
    BlackCloud, Jun 2, 2018
    #1
  2. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

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    The stylistic edge is indeed with Ali. He'd win a one off imo but would certainly have to bring his A game.
     
    JohnThomas1, Jun 2, 2018
    JohnThomas1, Jun 2, 2018
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    BlackCloud likes this.
  3. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    Ali busted up guys real good. How good would he bust up Joe Louis? That's the big question. How badly would he have taxed Louis by the time those legs start to fade?

    And they would. Ali himself didn't believe that he could do 15 under that kind of puncher's pressure.

    So when Ali comes down off his toes - how long is left? In what condition is Joe Louis? How's his vision? How are his own legs?

    If he's in half-decent shape - half-way shape - and Ali has done dancing like he was in the first, then, later, like he was in the eighth, there's your case right there.

    I pick Ali to get the job done but in a rematch? No money is going down.
     
    McGrain, Jun 2, 2018
    McGrain, Jun 2, 2018
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  4. BlackCloud

    BlackCloud I detest the daily heavyweight threads Full Member

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    Nice breakdown,
    Cheers
     
    BlackCloud, Jun 2, 2018
    BlackCloud, Jun 2, 2018
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  5. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    Well, a very high level one.
     
    McGrain, Jun 2, 2018
    McGrain, Jun 2, 2018
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  6. BlackCloud

    BlackCloud I detest the daily heavyweight threads Full Member

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    I remember Burt used to say that Louis would eventually catch up with Ali, but he didn't seem to factor in all the damage he may have sustained previous, as you have pointed out.
    '67 Ali has to be the obvious choice but i would also give the Zaire version a good shout.
     
    BlackCloud, Jun 2, 2018
    BlackCloud, Jun 2, 2018
    #6
  7. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    I think that Joe Louis would KO Zaire Ali early...fourth or fifth.

    Up close it's easier to hide from cannon shot than a well equipped surgeon wielding a scalpel.
     
    McGrain, Jun 2, 2018
    McGrain, Jun 2, 2018
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  8. BlackCloud

    BlackCloud I detest the daily heavyweight threads Full Member

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    You don't think the right hand leads would come into play?
    Interesting pick there!
     
    BlackCloud, Jun 2, 2018
    BlackCloud, Jun 2, 2018
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  9. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    Maybe! Ali might even knock Louis around and down for a bit. But if he doesn't knock him out he's getting crucified on those ropes.
     
    McGrain, Jun 2, 2018
    McGrain, Jun 2, 2018
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    RockyJim likes this.
  10. Tramell

    Tramell Hypocrites Love to Pray & Be Seen. Mathew 6:5 Full Member

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    Ali.
     
    Tramell, Jun 2, 2018
    Tramell, Jun 2, 2018
    #10
  11. RockyJim

    RockyJim Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I'll take Louis...
     
    RockyJim, Jun 2, 2018
    RockyJim, Jun 2, 2018
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  12. janitor

    janitor VIP Member Full Member

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    Taking your original question as a starting point:

    Ali has the greater puzzle to solve.

    Louis will have worked out long before the fight, exactly what Ali is likely to throw at him, and worse, Blackburn will have worked it out!

    Louis will come prepared with a fight plan, that Ali will not entirely anticipate.

    Ali did everything on instinct, and natural talent, while Louis threw curveballs!
     
    janitor, Jun 2, 2018
    janitor, Jun 2, 2018
    #12
  13. ETM

    ETM I thought I did enough to win. Full Member

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    Joe Louis didn't throw wild punches. Louis didnt force his punches. He was well schooled. He was patient and smart. Better not to throw a punch than get caught reaching. I think that would backfire against Ali. I see Ali getting off first and moving side to side. Joe would have some moments. That right hand of his is always a threat. I have Ali by decision bout 10-5.
     
    ETM, Jun 2, 2018
    ETM, Jun 2, 2018
    #13
  14. he grant

    he grant Historian/Film Maker

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    I love Ali and find him a super tough H2H match up for more heavyweights than almost everyone else because of his skill sets and size but I feel that the Louis of the thirties who moved could have a hell of a shot beating Ali using a combo of a Doug Jones/Ken Norton fight .. Ali was not a big puncher, period. So many gage this by the first Conn fight where a dried out Joe left his fight on the golf course but best for best it's a very tough fight to call .. a better Rosario vs a Camacho to me ..
     
    he grant, Jun 2, 2018
    he grant, Jun 2, 2018
    #14
  15. redrooster

    redrooster Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    1960s version throws too much leather. i really dont see him getting tagged enough to lose

    1970s version was a punching bag and a sad sight (see Norton 3)
     
    redrooster, Jun 2, 2018
    redrooster, Jun 2, 2018
    #15
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