If Muhammed Ali didn't have the personality and the charisma that he did?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by BoxingFacts, Nov 8, 2019.



  1. BoxingFacts

    BoxingFacts Member Full Member

    214
    217
    Nov 4, 2019
    Without Ali's personality and charisma, do you think he wouldn't be rated as high?

    He was an amazing boxer first and foremost but I belive his personality and charisma enhanced his career.
     
    Jackomano likes this.
  2. Eye of Timaeus

    Eye of Timaeus Well-Known Member Full Member

    1,893
    1,180
    Sep 1, 2019
    On par with Rocky Fielding
     
  3. Glass City Cobra

    Glass City Cobra H2H Burger King Full Member

    9,162
    15,096
    Jan 6, 2017
    If his career played out exactly the same but had a boring personality he'd be a combination of Holmes and Lennox Lewis: people would begrudgingly have to admit his place in history as a top 5 champion. I don't see how you couldn't with a resume like that. I mean, Joe Louis wasnt the most charismatic guy either, pretty boring honestly, and he's #1 or #2 on some people's lists.
     
  4. BoxingFacts

    BoxingFacts Member Full Member

    214
    217
    Nov 4, 2019
    Canelo's greatest win
     
  5. joebeadg

    joebeadg Well-Known Member Full Member

    1,908
    1,006
    Dec 3, 2005
    he wouldn't have been given as many decisions
     
  6. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

    26,177
    9,750
    Jan 4, 2008
    Give me the guys who couldn't match his charisma but could match him in terms of number of wins over top 10 ranked opponents, number of wins over top 5 ranked opponents, number of wins in title fights and number of wins over HWs in most's top 10-15.

    You will only find Louis who's even close.
     
  7. Seamus

    Seamus Proud Kulak Full Member

    53,663
    32,403
    Feb 11, 2005
    I don't think his schtick has aged well. There's a lot of selective recollection and amnesia in the cultural celebration of him.

    I judge him solely on his boxing results which verify him as an ATG.
     
    robert ungurean likes this.
  8. TheEliteMaster100

    TheEliteMaster100 Member Full Member

    187
    340
    Sep 21, 2019
    Ali's run through of 1970 - 1974 consisted more wins over ranked opposition while post prime than most heavyweight championship runs.

    Let alone his atg chin, will to win and heart. Overall a special and unique fighter. He is the greatest after all.
     
    Skins, swagdelfadeel and Bokaj like this.
  9. The Undefeated Lachbuster

    The Undefeated Lachbuster I check this every now and then Full Member

    4,513
    7,028
    Jul 18, 2018
    Actually Joe Louis was both a father figure to the nation with his patriotic figure and encouraging speeches, and when he wanted to he had a quick wit, it just so happens he wasnt always allowed to show said wit

    I find Louis very charismatic but I guess that's just me, seems to be an unpopular opinion
     
  10. Sting like a bean

    Sting like a bean Well-Known Member banned Full Member

    2,047
    1,581
    Apr 9, 2017
    I agree with most of this, but two very minor asides:
    Joe Louis may not have been charismatic, but it seems to me he comes off as pretty likable.

    Larry Holmes’ personality actually kind of grows on me after a while, a bit like an irascible uncle who always makes a minor scene at family gatherings but is all the more charming for it.
     
  11. Jackomano

    Jackomano Boxing Junkie Full Member

    7,839
    6,255
    Nov 22, 2014
    This. For his time Louis was definitely very charismatic. Just like Ali had the respect of his fans and his boxing peers so did Joe Louis. Both used their charisma and fame as Heavyweight World Champion to become advocates for positive social change both during and after their boxing years.

    I never did get to meet Joe Louis, since he passed before my time, but I did get to meet Ali and Foreman in the 90’s at a muscular distrophy benefit and Foreman mentioned Joe Louis and Walcott hosting a similar benefit in the past for Ezzard Charles and that him and Ali were carrying on the effort to bring awareness to muscular distrophy.
     
  12. Boxing2019

    Boxing2019 If you want peace, prepare war. Full Member

    6,312
    4,921
    Jul 22, 2019
    Personality and charisma came from his balanced security in his own means imo.
    Foreman was TOO confident and he lost.
     
  13. Glass City Cobra

    Glass City Cobra H2H Burger King Full Member

    9,162
    15,096
    Jan 6, 2017
    I don't doubt Joe Louis had some charisma it's just that his handlers went out of their way to suppress his behavior/speech 24/7 out of fear that he might become jack johnson 2.0.