How would the Rumble in the Jungle have looked if Ali was in his prime during the match?

I think this has been done before so I`ve added a poll of more than 2 questions, I feel a prime Ali would have slipped more shots but was also hurt by Cooper so was his punch resistance more fragile when he was slimmer during the 60`s, could he take Foreman`s power at a lighter weight? Would his extra prime speed also be a factor?

 

A prime Ali would have done what he did against Big Cat Cleveland Williams...danced and jabbed and knocked Big George out.

 

Foreman wouldve gotten frustrated quicker from landing even LESS on the more mobile Ali, burnout quicker, and drop like a sack of potatoes mouth breathing for the oxygen his muscles scream for in rounds 6-7

 

If you are talking about the first Cooper fight, which I think you are because that was when Ali was knocked down, I think that is pre-prime Ali.
To me prime would be "65-'67. During those years, Ali showed a lot of heart and durability against Patterson, Terrell, and especially Chuvalo. I think he would have been every bit as tough as he was in 1974. Thus, I go with the guys who say Ali would have danced and eventually frustrated and tired out Foreman.

 

No Ali said the heat was unbearable in Zaire.

 

If Ali danced that kind of heat he would have tired first.

 

I wouldn't be so sure of that.

 

Good point. The sun would have been (and was) just as hot for Foreman. It might have affected the tactics of the fight but not the outcome.

 

60's Ali would have lost. He possessed nowhere near the guile, resourcefulness or mental fortitude of the 70's version, let alone of the Berbick version, who would have won more emphatically.

 

The ring was very soft to compound it.

 

Yes but young Ali was a very very special athlete too. Don't get me wrong, this version of Foreman is insanely dangerous.

 

One thing Foreman had in his prime was an uncanny ability to cut the ring off. It was deceptive.

 

Ali stated that he had to use the rope of dope because of the heat, I don`t think you realise how hot Zaire is, it`s not like America climate wise.

 

Ali`s guile during the 60`s was very good.

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Them boys are far easier to deal with than Foreman, totally different story imo..Ali was stronger and more durable in his comeback also and imo far more suited to taking on Foreman than 60's Ali