Muhammad Ali vs Lennox Lewis

I tend to think Lewis is just slightly overrated H2H in the hardcore boxing community, I mean that as in I don't think he is #1 H2H but def top 5, and for me prime 67' Ali is probably H2H #1, I have faith in Ali to pull it off

 

Ali was trained to fight 15 very fast rounds. Lewis? The guy that needs the training is LEWIS.

 

Ali of Terrell fight might survive running for his life the whole way but loses a UD.

 

Ali was very difficult to hit in his prime. He would dance circles around Lewis spearing him constantly with his very quick jab and quick combinations that would bust up Lewis features round after round. Lewis never went 15 rounds whereas Ali could do so easily. Competitive early, very one sided late. I do not see Lewis lasting 15 rounds with prime Ali who is universally rated top two all time great heavyweight champion by historians today.

 

Ali in his prime was fighting 35 year old Foley and Brian London. This is a totally different bred a 6 4 240 lb athletic and skilled boxer. Strong powerful and a ton of heart. The years with manny steward put LEWIS on another level skill wise. The 1967 Ali’s punches would be powder puffs. Lewis’s was fast and athletic and long enough to get to Ali and with power to beat him.

 

If you think size beats prime Ali you have so much to learn. Would never happen. Ali in his prime was just too fast for stand up heavyweights like Lewis. He would be out punched the entire bout and cut to ribbons. It why Ali is always rated over Lewis by top historians. In a 15 round bout no chance Lewis sees the 15th round bell. None.

 

Lewis had more than just size though. He was unique in his own right. He has size, he also had precision and patience, a good ring IQ, he was a master at controlling distance. He kept the fight on his terms.
I could see Ali winning a decision because of his exceptional speed and agility. His footwork would be a big factor. Ali would have to work very hard against Lewis.
Lewis would stalk him from corner to corner looking to time Ali. Muhammad is capable of walking a tightrope but he couldnt afford to rest on the outside.

 

Lewis beats him.

 

The younger version of Cassius Clay/Ali (1964-1967) was a reflex fighter so he could pull away from punches but could be susceptable to the left hook ( like against Cooper). However I think he would out manouvere any prime and peak versions of Lennox Lewis from (1991-1993) or (1996-2002) the younger flat top version of Lewis was faster as he was lighter and more dangerous when he would go to the body more and throw overhand rights and had a good left hook. I could imagine him trying to fight Ali the same way he fought Briggs or Tucker (both boxer movers) but not keeping up with Ali's speed. The heavier dreads Emmanuel Stewart trained Lewis wouldn't keep up with the speed of Ali either. I think Ali wins on points although I would cavaet that with if he loses concentration Lewis could KO him if Ali doesn't maintain the pace and put on a boxing clinic like he did against Sonny Liston in the first fight.

 

No version of Ali could stop Lewis’ advance. Hes going to persue and fire from long range. So just running won’t be enough to win. Lewis has a longer reach is sufficiently fast and skilled to keep Ali on the defensive. In close won’t be any better as Lewis is much heavier and stronger. Rope a dope won’t work Lewis won’t run out of gas and will pinpoint power shots that will make Ali pay.

 

Lewis wins with that sledge hammer right hand after the stiff jab.

 

Ali might survive running for his life the whole way but loses a UD.

 

Ali by razor close decision

 

Hi Buddy.
Not on board with your description of Alis style as " running " quite a few posters also use that term, I would use the phrase movement, he didn't just run, which by implication means he didn't want to engage, he would move and box, as and when the situation decreed, then he would unleash fast combos, then either stay in the pocket, or back away, depending on how the opponent was reacting, also to use that word when discussing one of the bravest, most courageous boxers that ever lived, is inappropriate, he was a supreme boxer, who revolutionized the sport, no fighter in history has had such an effect on the sport, he transcended boxing, just my opinion.
stay safe WB,chat soon.
Mike.

 

Close decision win for Ali.