That version of Ali was very crafty and had all the tools. May not been as fast as a 60’s Ali but the experience makes up for that. He was motivated in that fight. I just don’t see Holyfield being able to cope with that.
I think Ali takes a decision. It doesn’t look pretty but he still had enough movement, durability, output and stamina to pull it off.
Holyfield was quite crafty as well. And his tendency to get drawn into brawls might not be so bad against a non-puncher who's about the same weight.
Ali. The 1974 version,while not as fast as 1960s incarnation,is still very...very fast for a heavyweight of 212-217 lbs and his craftiness,toughness and improvisational gifts are enough to beat Holyfield. Probably by UD,though I would n't rule out a late stoppage.
Here here. He was quicker, smarter and still had a better sense of timing moments to capture the judges' eyes than Holyfield. Holyfield gives Ali nightmares as he can replicate Norton but has more facets. However, I find Holyfield too much of a warrior and too ill-disciplined to trouble the Kinshasa Ali. Foreman's apparent stupidity makes a lot of people overlook how capable Ali was that night. He was in excellent condition, mentally, physically, spiritually and motivationally - would take a lot to beat the man!
Excellent post,mate! Yes the shape Muhammad was in for Norton 2,Frazier 2 and Foreman was simply awesome. Such a pity that he did n't maintain that spartan condition in a few more of his seventies bouts. He would have won a few more fights more convincingly than he actually did.
Yeah - well - he was never out of shape in his first career; after dealing with the exile, FOTC, Norton I and II, Frazier II and Foreman, with the women, fame, age and his appetite, it's somewhat understandable that he let his standards go, especially surrounded by lots of yes men. If he trained better and didn't fool around in the ring, shipping punches to the body for no reason, getting punched trying to rope a dope, long after it was necessary, then yeah, better fights, better fight record and possibly better delay of Parkinson's symptoms.
