Now there’s been a 67 Ali v Bowe and I see Ali taking that by UD, maybe TKO if it’s a 15 rounder. But what about a Manila Ali? the one that slugged with Joe Frazier, would this be a more action packed/exciting version of Holyfield Bowe? Who do you see personally winning?
I was going to say Ali but you're referring to the Ali that slugged it out with Frazier ? Nah Bowe would beat him
Because not only is Bowe the larger fighter but he’s also an incredible inside fighter. If Ali fights Bowe the way he fought Liston then yeah he beats Bowe by very clear UD. But he doesn't stand a chance trying to fight Bowe at close range
Bowe UD in 12, by a comfortable margin. People would be calling for Ali's retirement, despite a courageous struggle on his part.
Prime Bowe wins a very competitive and explosive slug fest. Frazier was a determined pit bull in the ring, but this was a diminished Frazier who had eye problems and favored his left. To be fair, Ali was diminished as well, but that's the point: he'd be trying to out slug a slugger when his primary style was outside fighting and with worse speed and reflexes than his younger self. Bowe would be a much larger, stronger, younger specimen than Frazier firing with power in both hands and an overall more dangerous opponent than Manila Frazier. Only way prime Bowe could lose this is by a freak cut or showing up out of shape. Ali would not be able to knock him out unless he was completely gassed and he doesn't have the inside skills to beat Bowe at his own game. Holyfield was a better inside fighter than Ali and just as tough, yet he nearly got steam rolled by Bowe towards the end.
It's better to compare a fair version of a fighter. A faded fighter ALWAYS loses the hypothetical matchup.
Ali would get hurt in this situation. He'd being rocked by Shavers but Bowe was faster, A better fighter than Big Earn. So I can imagine poor Ali at times having to really hold on and do his best to slow him down. Muhammad finishes the fight on wobbly legs and his face puffed up, losing by unanimous decision. An awful fight for the greatest here.
I believe this Ali would have had to stand and fight against a younger, bigger, stronger, man who also can box, and most importantly has Eddie Futch, Ali’s nemesis, with him. So i'll go with Bowe by decision. But in a serie of fights...well Ali always found a way to win.
