I agree. It's a style thing and I also feel Ali has an easier time evading Louis' attacks while landing his own. Notwithstanding the power behind the punches which, I admit, makes my next point contentious but I actually feel 70s Ali copes better with Louis than he does with Ken Norton.
Posters dropping like fly's. Surprised this Gadfly hasn't been swatted yet. I am an impeccable poster clearly.
I would also favor an in shape Ali from his first title reign through likely 1974. Ali matches up very well with Louis. Basically Ali is going to throw & land more, & he was extremely difficult to stop. Louis would not be able to pressure/swarm like Frazier. Nor would counter-punching be enough-but Ali also could make him lead. So whether a dancing fool like in his first career, or more flat footed in the second, Louis is very unlikely to score even a TKO. Ali will at least decision him.
Why do people think Louis would be unable to pressure Ali? He didn't always fight that way, but he showed effective pressure in many fights.
All I read is how adaptable FOTC Ali was. Does this include - to stop moving and brawl with Frazier - clowning - appearing arrogant - looking rusty - gassing and losing the last three rounds big ? Because if we´re talking about THAT Ali, I see no other conclusion than Louis tagging him BIG numerous of times. Was Ali versatile enough to beat Louis. For sure. Was the rusty, arrogant and clowing version him the fighter I was going to pick against s sharpshooter like Louis? No. I´d like to see a more serious version of him against the Brown Bomber.
GPC 'very valid points. I've come to the conclusion that, FOTC Ali hasn't got it to beat a prime Louis. It's not going to be total wipe out on the cards but Joe's getting it for me. No doubt. Hell, he may even get his jaw broken!
Muhammad Ali lost out on mobility between ’67. and '71, and fought someone with a head movement better than all his predecessors. '67 I favor Muhammad Ali as the winner.
Louis would apply some pressure not in the way Frazier did 3 minutes of every round. Smokin Joe was hell for most boxer types who used the ring. Joe Louis would stalk Ali looking for a mistake. I don't see Louis forcing the same pace, which I believe is the reason Ali had to rest on the ropes.