that fight was a classic example of boxer v puncher. with the classic boxing style proving to be superior in the hands of the master. :happy
The count may have been a borderline scenario,but Foreman was only going back down there anyway. As for the holding,it's not illegal. How come nobody queries the legitimacy of George hitting Joe Roman when he was n't even standing up properly at the time ? As previously asked - Why is it soley Ali that gets criticised for these sort of things ?
It was the end of the round, he had a minute to recover. Not to mention that he would be up earlier but was waiting for a sign from his corner, not paying much attention to the ref. I don't believe he would be KO'd even if it was the middle of the round actually. This kind of leaning and pulling head down is illegal. Ref was enforcing it properly in the Thrilla. This is the known tactics to weaken the opponent's body. It was on purpose, illegal and effective. Why Ali is criticised for this? It was pretty much Blatant if you ask me. More clear than in other cases. Besides when you claim to be the greatest, expect people watching closely what you do. At the time they all (commentators, refs, judges, audience) were 99% of the time in Ali's ass instead. Leting him go away with dirty tactics, premature stoppages, gift decisions... I mean rather his post exile career obviously but still...
I think both liked to show off their flaws and then punish opponents who would try and take advantage of them using sheer athletacism and speed. Ali although un orthadox was much more text book and Jones in the way he used the jab. Both lead with a big punch which is often unusual.
I think he was referring to Jones' footwork from a technical perspective but I agree with you that he was an extraordinary athlete with great agility.
Never claimed Ali was the only one whom avoided rematches against dangerous opponents and ducked fighters. It was the norm since the 1900s. Still Ali avoided a rematch with Foreman , Shavers and Young .
Neither had exciting style to watch , although both were far superior to Holmes and Michael Spinks in this aspect :dead:-((
Not only it is hard to hit yoyo , but even when one finally does manages to land on it , the backwards movement absorbs a crucial part of each punch that landed.
Up until Ali actually won the title back from Foreman,he still divided opinion amongst people. a lot liked him,but a lot still hated him It's only afterwards that he became popular across the board. Beforehand,as many judges and audience were as likely to be against him,as for him.
While both men rely on reflexes and fast footwork, the rest of their style is largely different. As mentioned earlier, Roy would sling more leading power shots where as Ali would use his jab and straight punches to great effect. I guess if you had to draw a line and determine who was more unorthodox, Roy was much more...unusual. Roy would leap with punches from areas that a slower smarter fighter would never dare come from.
they both had exciting styles to watch. maybe if u understood what it takes to be a top level fighter then u might appreciate them a bit more. :yep
I hope Jones retires soon. He's a modern day great,and I'd hate to see him go the route of so many others.