More skilled: Ali or Louis

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Melankomas, Jul 30, 2025.


Who’s more skilled?

  1. Joe Louis

    21 vote(s)
    91.3%
  2. Muhammad Ali

    2 vote(s)
    8.7%
  1. ThatOne

    ThatOne Boxing Addict Full Member

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    RJJ beat James Toney from pillar to post. It's up there with Holmes-Cobb and De La Hoya-Camacho for one sided bouts
     
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  2. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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  3. Flash24

    Flash24 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Ali wasn't as technically skilled as Louis, however he was more physically gifted. And his unique gifts and size gives him the advantage head to head
    Prime vs prime.....
    For me Ali stops Louis with in 10 -11 rds best night vs best night.
     
  4. janitor

    janitor VIP Member

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    Feb 15, 2006
    In terms of technique, it is not particularly close.

    Most people would get killed trying to replicate Ali's style.

    In terms of natural talent, both are up there with anyone, but you woudl have to lean towards Ali.

    A bad trainer could have ruined Louis, while Ali barely needed a trainer.
     
  5. Mike Cannon

    Mike Cannon Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Hi Shay.
    Interesting that you feel the Ali was more intimidating than Louis, I thought the poker face and steely glare from Joe, aligned with his fearsome punching power, would far outstrip the mainly manifested faux bad man that Ali exuded, but I could be wrong .
    stay safe Shay, chat soon buddy.
    Mike.
     
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  6. Shay Sonya

    Shay Sonya The REAL Wonder Woman! Full Member

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    Good point! I agree that Joe's calm, steely glare was somewhat intimidating. And intimidating Joe, himself, was nearly impossible. He was usually very calm right before a fight.

    To name three fighters, off the top of my head, who were highly disturbed and intimidated prefight, or during the fight, by Ali: George Foreman. Sonny Liston. Ernie Terrell. And there were others. But Joe Frazier may be an example of those Ali tactics back firing.
     
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  7. Joeywill

    Joeywill Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Aug 2, 2021
    Depends on how you define skill but if footwork counts then Ali easily