How would AJ have done in the 70s?

I know it’s crazy. Some of those early opponents make a career out of getting stopped by prospects. Year after year. They must learn how to fold up. But they retire and live out their lives. then you get a house fighter spiral after the one stoppage loss who totally unravels in his outside life.

The story of Tate is so tragic.

 

Lots of stress neurologically too. Some seem immune, others definitely not.

Certainly no shortage of sad stories in boxing. Perhaps that's why so many of us really enjoy the happy endings that some get to have.

 

Very good point. Whilst I believe AJ is entirely a product of his environment, and could not possibly exist as we know him in any other era, we cannot deny his consistency and prowess at the highest level in this era.

 

Sometimes, someone will ask me if I'm very hungry yet and I will say that I might be a little Marvish. But neither of us know what I mean so it doesn't matter. We just eat then.

 

I think AJ in the 70s would have a career similar to Earnie Shavers.

 

Heavy handed and strong, good puncher, but chin/condition not necessarily the best, and he is hittable.

 

Depends entirely on how he’s matched and in which part of the decade. If he’s strategically matched and marketed then he likely gets a shot at the title and if he’s fortunate to face a weak champion like the inactive version of Jimmy Ellis in 1970 or the aged version of Norton in 78 or Leon Spinks or even the Ali who lost to spinks then he COULD win the title.

On the other hand, if he’s thrown to the wolves and has to battle his way through a gauntlet of tough contenders and journeyman then he probably tops out at fringe level.

 

Joshua used to be extremely overrated, but now he becomes underrated. He's much better fighter than Shavers, come on...

 

AJ would have lost to Joe Bugner by underestimating Joe. ( like against Ruiz)
AJ would have had an entertaining fight against Jerry Quarry and a chance of winning since Jerry's better years were in the 60's.
Shavers and Lyle would have been favored leading up to the fight but in the actual fight could have easily have become a war where AJ left a part of himself in the ring win or lose.
If for whatever reason AJ makes it to Jimmy Young this is where his luck runs out.
Young would out work him bell to bell and get the UD.
And thats it! No way AJ makes into the top 5!

 

most heavyweight his size are not good.

 

Don’t leave out

Don’t leave out Young!

 

Ali was fighting during the 70s. How did he do?