I read an article where it said that due to styles, Walcott would have troubled Ali similar to how Young troubled him. Also, Walcott hit harder than Young. The article mentioned that Walcott would force Ali to be the aggressor and Ali was more comfortable when his opponent came to him. The author didn't favor Walcott to beat Ali but noted that it would not be inconceivable for Walcott to win 1 out of a 3 fight series.
’70-75 is a pretty big range for Ali. I know he bested Foreman in ’74 but he was plainly quicker, fitter & sharper around 1970-71. I would need you to be more specific for a prediction. Walcott would certainly beat Ali around 1974-75, IMO.
I wouldn't favor him, but it's not inconceivable that he could pull a Norton and wrest away a close decision from Ali.
Jimmy Young fought a completely unmotivated 1976 Ali who weighed in a career high at the time 230 pounds ... I don't see Walcott beating any Ali before 77
Walcott was slick enough to where at his peak he wouldn’t be a walk in the park against anyone but he doesn’t see the eighth round against anything other than absolute end of the line Ali.
