Max Schmeling vs. 70s Ali

Does Schmeling have a chance?

 

Think Ali wins from 1970-1976. From 76 to 78 it might be tougher

 

Anytime up to 1975 inclusive,Ali wins clearly.

 

Muhammad Ali might put us to sleep with the overused Rope A Dope in the 1970's, maybe some f us might stay awake for the finish.

 

I can't see Schmeling falling for that one

 

You may be right.

 

If he has the hand speed that would bother Ali, especially the 75 - 76 version.

 

Ali before Manila wins for sure, the Ali of the third Norton fight probably wins, but as I've said here before, anybody who fought prime Schmeling would know they'd been in a scrap, the guy was a pretty fair prize fighter.

 

Max Schmeling only has a chance against Ali in the 70s, who lost to Leon Spinks. As you go further back through the 70s, Max's chances are less.

 

I doubt that Muhammad would have used the Rope A Dope against Max.

 

He used it about in every fight after beating George Foreman, after a while that got old.

 

Ali wins a clear decision

 

No.

 

Hi Richard. Indeed you're right. I was thinking,though,of the BEST 70s incarnation of Muhammad up to Zaire,inclusive (1972-74)

 

Foreman fight was more damaging to Ali than anyone knew at the time. He was never really the same after it. Even in Thrilla, this version of Ali wasn't as good as Zaire Ali.

He was pissing blood for months following the bout with Foreman, and took quite a bit of hellascious shots that would've coldcocked any other man around except perhaps Frazier (You could shoot Frazier and he'd still make the count).