Would Ali have won the FOTC had he taken more tune up fights before?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by MixedMartialLaw, Sep 17, 2025 at 10:55 AM.


  1. Mandela2039

    Mandela2039 Philippians 2:10-11 Full Member

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    The Holy Spirit descended from the heavens and wrapped itself in Joe Frazier, i don't think there's a single heavyweight in history that would have beaten Frazier that night.
     
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  2. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    I’ve always considered the possibility . And the only answer I can come up with is “ maybe. “
     
  3. ETM

    ETM I thought I did enough to win. Full Member

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    No

    The reason being even with a couple more fights Ali simply didnt think that much of Frazier as a fighter. He didnt pass the eye test in Ali's mind. He was shorter, slower and to Ali he was someone to make some $ with.

    It wasn't until he was in the ring with him that he realized Frazier had more to him than he thought. Joe's headmovement, quickness, precision became evident. He also learned about Joe's heart and determination were just like his own.

    He paid to learn though.

    Ali on the phone with his mother before fight 1.

    Ali " don't worry mom he's a bum"

    Ali mom " Frazier is no bum"
     
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  4. swagdelfadeel

    swagdelfadeel Obsessed with Boxing

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    He wasn't consistently training in exile. He stopped working out and had ballooned up to 235.
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  5. ThatOne

    ThatOne Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Rocky looked in better shape.
     
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  6. catchwtboxing

    catchwtboxing Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Part of the problem is that he fought the wrong strategy.
     
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  7. swagdelfadeel

    swagdelfadeel Obsessed with Boxing

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    :lol: :lol: Sad but true.
     
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  8. ThatOne

    ThatOne Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I read he took it seriously and whipped himself into shape. He's also wearing a hairpiece.
     
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  9. young griffo

    young griffo Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I’m just rapt we got the brilliant, classic fight we did.
     
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  10. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

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    I'd probably back him with two more fights that stretched into double digits.
     
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  11. swagdelfadeel

    swagdelfadeel Obsessed with Boxing

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    Ironically the early stoppage against Quarry that looked/looks great on paper, hampered him tremendously in the long run.
     
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  12. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

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    Yeah some more rounds were required.
     
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  13. OddR

    OddR Well-Known Member Full Member

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    He was in great shape for Frazier though. After 1974 his weight went up and down sure.
     
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  14. Anton Frank

    Anton Frank New Member Full Member

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    Not as unbeatable as Ali in Zaire.