As good as Buster was in Tokyo,the 1975 Muhammad would still be too tough and skilled for him. A competitive bout with Ali pulling it out in the last three rounds and winning by a 9 - 6 margin.
I’d go with Ali, Douglas never proved himself against a variety of styles, even when you take the peak version, because it was only for 1 night against 1 style.
If this was after Frazier 3, I pick Buster Douglas. If this is before, Ali still had some left. George and Joe ulteimately was what ****ed him up in the end
Muhammad Ali stops him before the 15th round. In Buster's prime, which I would consider from 1986 to February 1990, or after the Ferguson decision loss and before the Holyfield KO loss, Buster was a fine boxer-puncher. But he never went more than 10 rounds in his entire career. I'm sure he'd box well with Ali for 10 rounds ... and then it would all start to unravel. Fans today forget how difficult it was to go 15. Boxers weren't even sure if they could last long. Buster had one fight scheduled for 15, and he quit in round 10. 10 rounds was Buster's limit, and he wasn't stopping 1975 Ali inside 10. In 1975 alone, Ali scored three stoppage wins between the 11th and the 15th - against Wepner, Lyle, and Frazier. Those were the rounds he turned it on. The "deep waters."
Ali would likely win. Even past his peak, Muhammad Ali had superior ring IQ, toughness, and adaptability. Buster Douglas had size and a strong jab, so he could trouble Ali early, but over time Ali would adjust and take control.
Yes I think Ali actually puts him out for the full ten count in round 11. Douglas unlike Lyle collapses on the canvas in exhaustion
