Would he be as big a media star, as back in his day? We're at the point now of, seen it all, done it all. So would a fighter like Ali seem as magical and mythical? Also the division now is devoid of the many characters around back then. Just imo of course. So I guess what I'm saying is, different times and fighters, would Ali be seen as bright a star has he was?
He would still be a great crowd pleaser attracting a lot of women and non boxing fans. In consequence he would indeed be a bright star still. Maybe a lot of the political element would be missing. Good one,Fergy.
Probably not...it's different times, different fighters...Ali was a 15 round fighter...sounds great at first but the fights usually start slower and take longer for the action to build....I don't know that he'd like guys coming at him throwing leather straight out the gate.. Also, modern fans don't appreciate foot work or lateral movement like the old timers do...a lot of modern fans call this "running" and even consider it "cowardly", as evidence by recent posts regarding other fighters with good movement... So in that sense Ali may have had to change his style to keep his fans, and leave himself open to taking further punishment.
He'd be fighting guys that mostly out weighed him and had size advantage. True, that's not a reason to say he loses but he's probably having to work a lot Harder there too. His skill still shines thru but with no Frazier, Norton, Foreman etc who does he actually shine against. And that's what kept Ali motivated.
Fergy you give a lot of good topics and take this as a compliment; a compliment from a boxing fan. If Muhammad Ali fought today in the heavyweight division ... There is one boxer; world champion with 4 belts, same height, and same reach as Muhammad Ali, only southpaw style. His name is Oleksandr Usyk. So I would reduce the topic to Oleksandr Usyk Vs Muhammad Ali, and the winner would be more successful in the present time. Footwork and handspeed are on the side of Muhammad Ali, but I think everything else is on the side of Oleksandr Usyk. P.S. Let's not forget that Oleksandr Usyk never even prepared for a 15-round fight, because at the time when he is boxing, such fights do not exist (which is not Oleksandr Usyk's fault).
You kidding me? Ali would enter the ring wearing BLM trunks and kneel during the national anthem. Does anyone think Ali would just stay quiet about racial issues in the current era? Good god.
He might have issues with Fury and Usyk, but Ali at his best would stomp everyone else in this era easily. His fight against Wilder would resemble Holmes-Shavers I.
He'd be undefeated until he decided to retire. Would take far less punishment. Make double the money May Jr. Has made simply on personality and the prestige that surrounds being the Heavyweight Champ. Probably the world's 1st billionaire from athletic endeavors alone. Retires , and becomes much more entertaining than the fights he'd announce from most modern boxers. Becomes a politician, Governor of Kentucky. May not be as loved because social media and paparazzi would expose any bad behavior, I E Womanizing. We' d know if he stopped to tie his shoes during a jog in today's world.
Actually that's a good comparison, Ali v wilder could well turn in to a Shavers type fight. If it's the young Ali tho, I see him stopping him mid fight. The older one has to take vicious shots and gets stunned. But still beats him.
Ali as the champ now would mean a lot more boxers would get their opportunity to fight for the title, none of this putting the belt into storage or these rematch clauses that limit boxers chances.
I think he would hit some rough patches but still be remembered as a great when all is said and done. There was something special about the era he came along in. The media focus, the politics, the stage that boxing still occupied... Now, the world is just too fractured, so many sports with so many outlets, even successful combat sports now. We'd all love watching him but he wouldn't be the cultural icon he was in the 60/70's.
Ali is never stopping Wilder, stop dreaming. Shavers is a joke compared to Wilder. Sure, neither is very skilled, but Wilder hits harder, can take more punishment and more importantly, is way faster. At best, Ali can hope he wins on points. Worst case, Wilder KOs him.