Ali vs Louis

Louis had one technical short-coming as I see it. Just like Liston he was not good at cutting the ring off, but tended to follow his man in straight lines. Of all the guys Ali fought, I also think Liston was the one who had most in common with Louis. Doug Jones was quite stylistically similar as well, though, which of course throws it in a different light alltogether.

The common trait of the two guys that beat good versions of Ali was (besides having Futch as a trainer) that they were very good at cutting off the ring. I think you must do this effectively to beat the Ali of 66-67.

 

Ali did not hit harder than Schmeling.

INteresting point Bokaj. If Louis lost the first time by a decision but trained in cutting off the ring he would do a number on Ali ..

 

Yes, a Louis who cut the ring off really well would be a nightmare opponent for Ali. No doubt.

 

ali for some reason moved less and slugged it out more against Doug Jones (good fight to watch but ali was taking a lot more hits as a consequence). Jones had just defeated Bob Foster & Zora Folley prior to that fight so he was on good form. i think ali v louis would use more footwork as he did against liston.

just watched "Facing Ali" documentary - that is essential viewing.

 

I always like Louis in this match-up but this fight would bring out the best in both men. Ali takes the lead but Louis counters very well. The hook of Louis becomes a problem and the body punches along the ropes (right hands from Joe) I see the fight as a late stoppage or UD for Louis...both men battered and bruised

 

I've always thought Ali had the tools to beat Louis. I still think Joe is the best ever Heavyweight but H2H Ali would take the win imo.

 

Louis was not the slow lacking stamina Liston or Foreman...Louis had the best 6 piece Combo punches of power..and fast,acurate and deadly..see Walcott 2 and Conn 1

 

I think this is the ultimate fight in boxing history. Back in the 70's even I remember guys like Louis and Dempsey still ahd a HUGE influence in the sport. Louis-Ali was the most dreamed up fight even then. I gp with louis to win by a knockout. Watching Louis' career is terrific viewing on a Saturday if you start early w/ a case of cold brew, some pizza and watch his development from his early fights to the bitter end against the great Marciano. I don't think any fighter will ever mean as much to people in theri time as Louis in the U.S. Manny in Philipines for sure but noone in the U. S. Ali was loved but alot hated him. But everyone loved the Brown Bomber. :fire

 

It's up there, but there are others keeping it company. Duran-Whitaker, for instance. Over 15. Robinson-Burley is another. Hagler-Robinson, Hagler-Hopkins, Leonard-Robinson. Man, what wouldn't I give to see these fights. For pure excitement and entertainment I'd go for Marciano-Frazier, though. It would be sad seeing them ruining each other, but otherwise I can't see this as anything but an epic.

 

Ali had the reach, speed & footwork to beat Louis on pts, Joe had a punchers chance vs anyone but its asking a very lot to KO any version of Ali never mind the one that we would surely be using here, the 1967 version.
One punch wouldnt do it & Ali recovered too well & tied his man up to quickly & tight to get pummelled with a pinpoint barrage.

Ali W15 Louis

 

I can't conceive of Louis decisioning Ali. We've also never seen Ali stopped (I completely disregard the Holmes abomination to the sport). I just think this is a bad matchup for Louis. Late 60's Ali could stop Louis late, if not I see a clear decision for Ali.

 

I too slightly favor Ali but this could certainly go either way. Unlike bombers such as Shavers and Foreman Louis was a tremendous finisher when he had a man hurt. If he ever had Ali in trouble he would finish him period. Plus Louis' jab would give Ali fits. If Norton could trouble Ali with a well timed jab then imagine what Louis could do with his. Plus there would be a laser sharp right behind it as well as a 5 punch combination to boot. The fact is that both men never faced an opponent like each other and it would be very interesting to see how each man would deal with the other. One thing is certain though, this would be no cakewalk for either man.