I'm not voting because I really don't know. Lennox was a huge guy, but he was also very athletic and highly skilled. Lennox's chin is a big factor, twice in his career he got stopped by one punch from Mccall and Rahman, and other times for example he took the best Tua and Vitali Klitschko could offer, both are legitimate punchers. Ali was a genius at finding a way to win, had a certified granite chin, and the speed and elusiveness to wear down and frustrate any opponent. Lennox has the better inside game no doubt, and if he turns this into a street-fight, I could see him getting the better of Ali. However, this is a prime Ali of the 60's, therefore I don't see Lennox cornering Ali much, he had wonderful footwork and unbelievable speed for a Heavyweight. I can't bet against Ali in any fantasy match up, I say he finds a way to frustrate and beat Lennox, however I wouldn't bet on it. For me it's 55/45 in Ali's favour,
I think as someone else mentioned if it was one fight I think Ali would win as he would find a way of getting in Lewis's head, but I think in a rematch Lewis would beat him. It's not a lock though as Ali to me had a better movement and speed in the 60's but better punch resistance and "chin" in the 70's. For anyone to think that one would whitewash the other is not being objective. This would be a great fight.
People are forgetting that the question states a PRIME Lewis who was a nightmare to fight against. This would've been very close, I'm thinking Ali but then again leaning towards Lewis. Would be a great fight !
Tough fight to pick. I chose Lewis although I rank Lewis lower AT than Ali even though IMO his resume is right up there with Alis. Ali, on his worst night would lose to Lewis on his his. Ali simply didn't have the power to trouble Lewis, while Lewis had the inside game to beat Ali. Could be a boring fight with a lot of holding, but Lewis could win close rounds by outmuscling Ali on the inside and doing his version of the Ruiz offense, Jab, Cross, Grab. On thier best night, Ali could blaze through 8 rounds dancing and potshotting and building up a lead, but Lewis carried his power into the late rounds, and Ali had a tendency to slow late in fights or fight in spots. On their best nights I think Lewis could win with multiple KDs late. Even a stoppage. H2H Lewis matches up with ANY HW in history although there are at least 3 other ATGs who would beat him consistently. Ali doesn't lose consistently to any other HWs than Wlad and Lewis. IMO:think
You ruined a good post with this atsch David Haye is not Muhammad Ali. Wlad doesn't have the stamina, the chin or the toughness to beat a guy like Ali. Ali wears Wlad down, figures him out and stops him late.
Thanks for the compliment. I don't think Ali gets inside Wlad's jab enough to figure him out. Just IMO. Like you said, Ali is not Haye. PreSanders Wlad would have Ali on the backfoot all night, and he could possibly beat him by late KO in that instance. But once Wlads weak interior defense was exposed in that fight, ppl, Ali likely would as well, started trying to blast him outta there. Ali aint chinny like Haye, nor was he afraid to lose. He'd risk getting inside and find himself eating far too many R hands.
So Liston & Foreman couldnt knock out Ali but Wlad would? Ali has the greatest resume of any HW & was never knocked out. I'd favour Ali over Lewis but only slightly, would be a great fight.
Pre '67 I'm afraid Lennox doesn't get near Ali and is outscored. Post '70 I think I would probably go for Lennox against the slowed down Ali,but only just. No one should ever underestimate Ali.
When YOU DONT KNOW **** ABOUT BOXING just talk about size, SNV is best ever just look at the size of him he must be the greatest!!!atsch But than Bubby thinks Jameel Mcline beats Ali so there is no reason not to think Lewis would, if someone is that stupid