If instead of '74 Foreman Ali was facing the Foreman who fought Holyfield in '91. How would the fight have gone?
Hello, MixedMartialLaw. I will go with Muhammad Ali by Decision win. George would not have fallen into the Rope-a-dope trap so Muhammad might tire some, giving George a few moments late. The decision, though, would not have been close.
90s Foreman was overrated. Tommy Morrison of all people schooled him. 74 Ali would’ve made easy work of that Foreman, although i don’t think he would’ve got the knockout.
I think the assumption is 90s Foreman wouldn't have fell for the Rope a Dope tactic. He had slowed down but was more measured and a smarter fighter.
Yeah I doubt Old George falls for it. But he was slower and more cumbersome by then so I don't think Ali would need the rope-a-dope. It's unlikely an old Foreman would be fast enough to actually corner Ali, who could jab and move his way to victory.
Gil Clancy trained "young" foreman and talked about how he had a very good jab but rarely used it. Old George had learned that lesson and used that jab- a very stiff jab that must have felt like getting stabbed in the face with a railroad tie- relentlessly. Ali never learned how to use his right hand to catch or parry a jab; he used his legs and his reflexes to step around them or to pull away from them. If George can be right there landing his jab, what happens? Ali won't be able to hurt him and, if he is getting out jabbed, what happens?
Would be a different kind of a fight. Ali would have an even greater advantage in speed this time around and easily outpoint George without needing the rope a dope strategy. Meanwhile Foreman fights at a more conservative pace and utilizing an improved defense. At the end of the day it goes to the cards with Ali winning a comfortable decision
Muhammad wins by a shut out decision - the difference in speed would be crazy! Also feasible that the fight could get stopped late owing to George's face puffing up a la Alex Stewart and both eyes being closed.
