Would Ali have won the FOTC had he taken more tune up fights before?

The Holy Spirit descended from the heavens and wrapped itself in Joe Frazier, i don't think there's a single heavyweight in history that would have beaten Frazier that night.

 

I’ve always considered the possibility . And the only answer I can come up with is “ maybe. “

 

No

The reason being even with a couple more fights Ali simply didnt think that much of Frazier as a fighter. He didnt pass the eye test in Ali's mind. He was shorter, slower and to Ali he was someone to make some $ with.

It wasn't until he was in the ring with him that he realized Frazier had more to him than he thought. Joe's headmovement, quickness, precision became evident. He also learned about Joe's heart and determination were just like his own.

He paid to learn though.

Ali on the phone with his mother before fight 1.

Ali " don't worry mom he's a bum"

Ali mom " Frazier is no bum"

 

He wasn't consistently training in exile. He stopped working out and had ballooned up to 235.

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Rocky looked in better shape.

 

Part of the problem is that he fought the wrong strategy.

 

Sad but true.

 

I read he took it seriously and whipped himself into shape. He's also wearing a hairpiece.

 

I’m just rapt we got the brilliant, classic fight we did.

 

I'd probably back him with two more fights that stretched into double digits.

 

Ironically the early stoppage against Quarry that looked/looks great on paper, hampered him tremendously in the long run.

 

Yeah some more rounds were required.

 

He was in great shape for Frazier though. After 1974 his weight went up and down sure.

 

Not as unbeatable as Ali in Zaire.

 

I think so. Because when they did first meet (too soon for Ali), Muhammad actually showed something against the long-consistent heavyweight that was Frazier. No rust on him.