Ali came in with less arrogance and a game plan, but now he has to go three more rounds against a fresher Frazier. Different outcome, or is Smokin' Joe too much?
Yes. Different outcome. After being out three and a half years, Ali fought three times in five months - October 1970 to March 1971. He was gassed after three rounds with Quarry. He was tired throughout most of the Bonavena fight and didn't impress anyone until the final round. And, against Frazier, Ali threw and landed a lot, but he laid on the ropes more than he had in any fight in his career to that point and he was basically done after the 10th. Ali actually looked sharper and stronger against Ellis three months after the first Frazier fight than he did against Frazier. And, by the time the Frazier rematch rolled around, Ali was sharp. He had his endurance back. And he had Frazier hurt in the second and may have dropped him if not for the ref jumping between them because he thought he heard the bell. I don't think Ali stops Frazier in fight one, but I think Ali was better enough in the return and quicker on his feet later in the fight to not get caught and win a 15-round decision.
I think most people underestimate Ali's performance in the FOTC. Sure he may have lost, but he put up a hell of a fight. One of his best performances. Very well may've been the best Ali we've seen in the 70s.
FOTC was close. 74 Ali had those extra bouts he missed coming off the layoff In fact, I believe 1972 Ali whips same yearJoe Frazier 1966 Ali, forget it. I see punches coming from everywhere, blinding and bewildering Joe and finally stopping him late. If not, a UD for Ali
I'm not positive Ali won that second fight, and let's face it he wasn't big George, he earned that shot by beating no-joke contenders. Post-FOTC Ali was much more cerebral, and it showed both in the second Frazier and Norton as well as Foreman. Cerebral still wouldn't have helped him with the FOTC. I do see 60s Ali quite possibly overwhelming Frazier with the extra punches and movement... but even then, Joe was a total juggernaut the night of FOTC. I just don't see anyone beating him that night. Just my opinion.