¿Which of them do you think would give Prime Ali a more worthy fight?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Fabiandios, May 18, 2025.


¿Which of them do you think would give Prime Ali a more worthy fight?

  1. Ike Ibeabuchi

    9 vote(s)
    15.3%

  2. Alexander Povetkin

    13 vote(s)
    22.0%

  3. Jack Dempsey

    26 vote(s)
    44.1%

  4. Jack Johnson

    7 vote(s)
    11.9%

  5. David Haye

    2 vote(s)
    3.4%

  6. David Tua

    2 vote(s)
    3.4%
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  1. Fabiandios

    Fabiandios Member Full Member

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    Go.
     
    Fabiandios, May 18, 2025
    Fabiandios, May 18, 2025
    #1
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  2. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Jack Dempsey's swarming pressurising style would cause problems but I'd still back Muhammad to win convincingly.
     
    Stevie G, May 18, 2025
    Stevie G, May 18, 2025
    #2
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  3. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    No rules specified so i'm assuming the rules are for Ali's time.

    David Tua is dead man walking - he has the least chance. It would be terrible sight watching him get beaten up by Ali. HIs practical chances are less than 1% or the chance of Ali injuring himself seriously, whichever is higher.

    Clearly Jack Johnson's waiting style is not going to work and although you might get a fight that feels closhish because it is dull, Johnson has very little chance of knocking Ali out and even less chance of winning the majority of the rounds against the Ali jab and move. He would have success late though and wouldn't look anything like as feeble as Tua. Practical chances around 2%. Note though - if my assumption is incorrect, Johnson under his own ruleset and over a very long distance would have a chance to win that is meaningful. His defence and endurance ensure it.

    Next would be David Haye. Haye can punch and is quick, he wouldn't be out-sized so would be applying his cruiserweight form. However, everything Haye is good at, Ali is better at - he plays to Ali's strengths and is bringing up the rear on every occasion. That's a very bad jam and it could actually be argued that he should list here behind Johnson. Practical chances around 2%.

    Alexander Povetkin at least has the left hook going for him. I think to win he'd need to land a huge left hook, then land another one in the next round, then put together 3-4 rounds after that that are clear for him. If he does that he could get to 8 rounds. Practical chances of it happening, 5-8%.

    Jack Dempsey is as above with better footwork and better finishing. The better finishin does make a difference. I fhe hurts Ali badly he has a chance to get him out of there that I don't think Povetkin has, and I also say that because he's faster he has a real chance to get it done. Practical chance of it happening, 15-18%.

    Ike Ibeabuchi's chances, I just don't know. I can't figure them base upon five rounds with Byrd. If I had to guess i'd say around the same as Povetkin.

    So, Dempsey or Ibeabuchi but probably Dempsey who would beat Ali maybe as often as one times in six.
     
    McGrain, May 18, 2025
    McGrain, May 18, 2025
    #3
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  4. catchwtboxing

    catchwtboxing Loyal Member

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    Ike. Those saying Dempsey...just wow.
     
    catchwtboxing, May 18, 2025
    catchwtboxing, May 18, 2025
    #4
    Showstopper97 likes this.
  5. The Cryptkeeper

    The Cryptkeeper Boxing Addict Full Member

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    None of them.
     
    The Cryptkeeper, May 18, 2025
    The Cryptkeeper, May 18, 2025
    #5
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  6. BCS8

    BCS8 VIP Member

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    Povetkin for me.

    He cuts the ring pretty well, closes the distance fast and works well on the inside. He is basically a very well drilled fighter with high level technique and a wide arsenal of punches. He also has the size and power to impose himself and the stamina to keep going in the late rounds.

    Ali would have to stay on the outside as much as possible, trying to maximise his speed and mobility edge. Ali is aided in that Povetkin never really developed a great jab that could control a fight. He was all about getting into the trenches and beating the other guy to a pulp. If Ali can keep it long and tie him up close he can win ... maybe ought to win.

    However, any version of Ali that is forced to exchange at length with Povetkin is not going to end up well. Sasha hits harder than Frazier and he is considerably larger. Ali doesn't have the power to really hurt him.
     
    BCS8, May 18, 2025
    BCS8, May 18, 2025
    #6
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  7. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    I'm thinking Dempsey because of his style and he hits as hard as Frazier but with both hands. Also has fast feet. Still pick Ali to win a decision or late round stoppage.
     
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, May 18, 2025
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, May 18, 2025
    #7
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  8. NoNeck

    NoNeck Pugilist Specialist

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    Povetkin. He had educated pressure, good power, and was a size bigger than Frazier.

    Haye wouldn't throw enough punches so he'd only have a chance against an aging Ali.

    Ike wasn't technical enough and lacked experience.

    The others were too ancient or named David Tua.
     
    NoNeck, May 18, 2025
    NoNeck, May 18, 2025
    #8
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  9. dcarlota

    dcarlota Member Full Member

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    Ali throws 2 punches per round against Tua, and somehow makes him gunshy, and still wins. The crowd leaves after the 3rd round because of the dullness of the fight.
     
    dcarlota, May 18, 2025
    dcarlota, May 18, 2025
    #9
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  10. OddR

    OddR Well-Known Member Full Member

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    We didn't see enough of Ike but he did look formidable based on what was there.
     
    OddR, May 18, 2025
    OddR, May 18, 2025
    #10
  11. BCS8

    BCS8 VIP Member

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    Tua could absolutely be outboxed. What you didn't want to do is to slug it out with him.
     
    BCS8, May 18, 2025
    BCS8, May 18, 2025
    #11
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  12. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    Dempsey, ready and set for the time he's fighting in, would give Ali fits.
     
    Fergy, May 18, 2025
    Fergy, May 18, 2025
    #12
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  13. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    Certainly not.
     
    Fergy, May 18, 2025
    Fergy, May 18, 2025
    #13
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  14. Showstopper97

    Showstopper97 The Icon Full Member

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    Only Ike & Povetkin would have a chance, but they both lose soundly. Ike too inexperienced & didn't have much depth as his career was cut short, while Povetkin was a skilled, but limited technician who could be quite robotic at times.
     
    Showstopper97, May 19, 2025
    Showstopper97, May 19, 2025
    #14
  15. Showstopper97

    Showstopper97 The Icon Full Member

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    Dempsey likely would have the LOWEST chance of victory if we're being realistic.
     
    Showstopper97, May 19, 2025
    Showstopper97, May 19, 2025
    #15
    catchwtboxing likes this.
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