Muhammad Ali in another 1960's sport (football, baseball, basketball)

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Longhhorn71, Apr 14, 2019.



  1. Longhhorn71

    Longhhorn71 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Ali at 6'-3", 79" wingspan, 220 lbs.

    Obviously, very athletic, nimble afoot, and great hand to eye coordination.

    Wonder how he would fared as a QB or Tight End in American football;
    as a outfielder in baseball; or as a guard / small forward in college/ pro basketball?
     
  2. Gazelle Punch

    Gazelle Punch Boxing Addict Full Member

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    He was obsessed with boxing and didn’t really play other sports. At least according to some books I’ve read. As a kid he would go around his neighborhood promoting himself as the future hw champ and they should go watch his amateur fights lol. I’m not so sure most coaches would be able to handle that personality. But could def see him as a great quarter back as he was amazing at seeing everything around him during a fight.
     
  3. JackSilver

    JackSilver Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Jesus Christ! Not content with saying he practically invented boxing, now we are going to be told that he would have been equally fantastic in any other sport that he chose to do. Athletic, check! Nimble feet, check! fast eye to hand coordination’ check! Yep, all that will prove he will definitely be as successful as basketball god, Michael Jordan was at all other sports, hurrah!!
     
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  4. Seamus

    Seamus Proud Kulak Full Member

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    He didn't have great, or even decent, footspeed which would cost him in football and basketball.

    He had tremendous tenacity, tho. He probably could have achieved some level of success in that era.
     
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  5. SeanK

    SeanK Member Full Member

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    Asking how an elite athlete would perform in other sports is far from a ridiculous question. Personally I think he would’ve found some success with his reflexes but the sport he excelled at was boxing.
     
  6. Longhhorn71

    Longhhorn71 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Thank you for your input. Back in the 50's & early 60's, numerous athletes had success in crossover sports, but Ali's name as "potential", was never/seldom mentioned. Ironically, Charlie Powell, one of Ali's fight victims, was one of the best Bay Area all-around athletes who played pro football with the San Francisco 49'ers/Oakland Raiders, plus boxed pro.
    This content is protected
     
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  7. PhillyPhan69

    PhillyPhan69 Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I think he would have excelled at synchronized swimming! A shame to have been deprived of this...
     
  8. BundiniBlack

    BundiniBlack Well-Known Member Full Member

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    I dont think Ali would fare well in team sports so if not boxing I think he probably ends up dominating Track and Field or maybe Tennis
     
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  9. red cobra

    red cobra VIP Member Full Member

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    Curling...he would have mastered curling....
     
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  10. SeanK

    SeanK Member Full Member

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    Really good point that he wasn’t the sort that would work well in a team
     
  11. BundiniBlack

    BundiniBlack Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Ali is 1 year older than Arthur Ashe I think Ali probably would of overshadowed Ashe on and off the court
     
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  12. Titan1

    Titan1 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Possibly a good track athlete.
     
  13. Seamus

    Seamus Proud Kulak Full Member

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    He wasn't a fast runner. Oddly.
     
  14. Titan1

    Titan1 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I think it's the one sport he could excel at to some degree.
     
  15. jowcol

    jowcol Boxing Addict Full Member

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    IMHO Ali was born to box, nothing more. Michael Jordan showed that baseball is a gifted sport for athletes born to play baseball; he couldn't cut it. Ali as a basketball player?? He probably couldn't hit the side of a barn with a jump shot. Ali as a football player?? No comment needed. The poster that said he might excel in track & field?? What event? What event?
    Get a grip guys.