Would Ali-Dempsey even be competitive?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Melankomas, Jul 28, 2025.


Would Ali struggle?

  1. No, Ali would outclass him with little issue.

    13 vote(s)
    44.8%
  2. Yes, Dempsey would give him a war but lose anyway.

    14 vote(s)
    48.3%
  3. Yes, and Dempsey would win! (Explain why)

    2 vote(s)
    6.9%
  1. Seamus

    Seamus Proud Kulak Full Member

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    JD never fought anyone remotely in Ali's class. For likely the only time in his career he would not have a speed advantage. He had consistent lapses in defense where he got caught out of position or squared up. Ali would have a field day at those times. Jack would have better luck against a Terrell or Bugner or Chuvalo.
     
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  2. ThatOne

    ThatOne Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I'm not as smart as you guys, but I believe Jack Dempsey didn’t fight anything like Doug Jones, George Chuvalo, Henry Cooper or Oscar Bonavena, nor did the four boxers I named fight like each other.
     
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  3. Journeyman92

    Journeyman92 MONZON VS HAGLER 2025 Full Member

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    Screw you Seamus
     
  4. ThatOne

    ThatOne Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I like Jack

    This Biofile was done on April 15, 1997 in New York City with Jack’s wife Deanna Dempsey.



    Funny Memory: “We met Muhammad Ali in San Juan, Puerto Rico after he beat Jean-Pierre Coopman in 1976. He was young and handsome and vital and so full of life. After the fight, as he was coming down the steps from the ring, Ali spotted Jack and he said, ‘Mr. Dempsey, can I call you Jack?’ Jack said, ‘Everybody calls me Jack.’ Then Muhammad said, Oh Jack, you were the greatest!’ And Jack said, ‘But Muhammad, I thought you always said YOU were the greatest?’ Ali said, ‘Jack. When I say I’m the greatest, it’s all bull****!’”


    https://mrbiofile.com/2020/12/06/biofile-jack-dempsey/
     
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  5. Seamus

    Seamus Proud Kulak Full Member

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    I never said that Dempsey fought like any of those. I merely stated he would do better against bigger, slower and/or less mobile opponents.
     
  6. Seamus

    Seamus Proud Kulak Full Member

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    Don't hate the playa, hate thine game.
     
  7. ThatOne

    ThatOne Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I didn't say you did. I was just remarking about the comparisons made in this thread. While I have your attention what do you know about Kevin Issac? He knocked down Larry Holmes. Crazy that escaped the gaze of ChatGPT. It said only Earnie and Mike knocked him down.
     
  8. Yorbals

    Yorbals Member Full Member

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    Jul 28, 2025
    I think Dempsey gives him plenty of trouble and it could be a great fight but I’d favour Ali in his prime. I also think it could turn in to a stinker with Ali holding him , not that Jack would stand for it but people forget how strong Ali was.
     
  9. nyterpfan

    nyterpfan Member Full Member

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    Ali circa 1967--too fast--too much reach--and would outweigh Dempsey by roughly 25 pounds.

    That's too much to overcome--Ali dispatches Dempsey with relative ease--(UD or late stoppage.)
     
  10. Boxed Ears

    Boxed Ears this my daddy's account (RIP daddy) Full Member

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    People are so obsessed with the legend of Ali that they forget he's only like 5'7 and 140 pounds. Sure, he's crazy fast, looks like he can handle himself, especially with the sticks on a chain but there's a reason you don't see a lot of Chinese heavyweight boxers making it big.
     
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  11. FighterInTheWind

    FighterInTheWind Active Member Full Member

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    Double this.
     
  12. MaccaveliMacc

    MaccaveliMacc Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Something inbetween option 1 and 2.
     
  13. Marvelous_Iron

    Marvelous_Iron Active Member Full Member

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    Just as if not more competitive than Ali vs Marciano, that's the thing Dempsey and Louis could present some problems for Ali at a bit more distance than Marciano or Frazier and still be just as dangerous up close
     
  14. Ike

    Ike Member Full Member

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    In my opinion Ali in his prime would have clearly beaten the best Dempsey. The Manassa Mauler's aggression, power, and determination would have found Clay's footwork, speed, jab, and perfect timing an insurmountable obstacle to overcome.
     
  15. bolo specialist

    bolo specialist Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Specifically, the Doug Jones fight, & how much a near-prime Ali was troubled by the smaller, lighter Jones' combined handspeed & power.

    though tbf, Dempsey's rematch w/ Brennan can be used to make an equally compelling case to favor Ali over Dempsey.

    Still, I've always felt Dempsey had @ least the potential to be 1 of the most dangerous hypo matchups for Ali.