The Brown Bomber could get it done. In 7 prime fights, I am thinking he would go about 4-3 against Muhammad Ali.
The ones with the best chance would be Joe Louis,Jack Dempsey and Rocky Marciano,in my opinion,but I'd still have Ali down as favourite. Muhammad once said that Rocky would have given him the toughest battle.
Ali would be favored on the books against any heavyweight who preceded him or succeeded him. As it is he's the only boxer that defeated two consensus top ten heavyweights and one bubble top ten heavyweight.
I honestly don't see any HW in history beating the 1967 version of Ali that fought Zora Folley. Greatest HW of all time entering his peak.
Hi Buddy. As with any match up concerning Ali, I always struggle somewhat, reason being I sort of have 2 Alis in my mind, the first would be from 64 to 67, so Clay stroke Ali, then the second generation fighter from say 70 to 74 , I was fortunate ( and old enough ) to have seen him in his absolute prime, so for me the earlier version would imo have the beating of all and any HW before and after him, and I am resolute in that belief, as to the latter fighter I am not so sure, I would not be so confidante of a win over Louis, he was a lot more static in them years, and therefore got hit plenty ( sadly ) getting hit plenty by Louis is a testament to disaster, that said, gun to my head, I would still favour Ali to somehow find a way to win, he normally did, on that theme, Lewis / Holmes while a stern test, would I belive come up short, just some ramblings on your interesting post. stay safe Joeywill, chat soon.
Have we seen Ali's Peak, or would the peak be 1968 or 1969; so we didn't see Ali's peak? Joe Louis...
Louis has the best chances. I wouldn't underestimate Rocky Marciano as well. His determination, unorthodox style, pressure and non stop flurries are grueling over 15 rounds. Ali himself said that Rocky would be his toughest opponent, also stylistically. I wouldn't ignore that. At least for the slower Ali during the 70s he could be a very tough opponent, if injuries do not hinder him.
Maybe he said that to Rocky directly to be nice when they met-up, but he also said this: "Even in his prime, Rocky [Marciano] had no chance with me. First thing, he is too little. Less than five foot ten to my six foot three inches. I’d overwhelm him. I’d lay on him in the clinches like a big old grizzly bear, and I’d smother his insides out. He was too small to reach me from outside. I’d jab him twenty to one. Rocky had a face that cut easily. Can you imagine what my stinging jab would do to those weak eyes? By round three. Rocky would look like he ran into a lawn mower. How could he beat me? No way, is how."
I think Charles "Kid" McCoy would stand a solid chance if the fight took place back when McCoy was active (1891 - 1916). "Kid" was a legend in antics and one of the dirtiest fighters of all time. I'm pretty sure He would have brainstormed a couple of ideas on how to cheat his way into a victory against Ali.