1967 Muhammad Ali vs. 2007 Wladimir Klitschko

Hi mate,

I don't know about that, I haven't heard anything myself.

It's good to have a difference of opinion, as long as the fighters aren't disrespected and there's no trolling.

I was debating on a Roy Jones "Ducking" thread the other day though, and that got deleted, but I'm not sure why.

 

Ali. Will take him over pretty much anyone.

 

Tommo,

Like I keep saying, I'm looking at a 25 year old version of Ali, from 1967, when I believe he was at his best.

Jerry Quarry was his 1st fight in 3 and a half years. That's a hell of a break in boxing.

He obviously wouldn't have approached the Wlad fight in the same manner, and fought in the same way.

I don't think he was as fast as Ali, or had his footwork. Byrd was quick, but he wasn't constantly circling and moving like Ali did. How would Wlad have found his range against Ali up on his toes?

He had reach advantages over guys, but his range stemmed from his footwork and his great reflexes. We didn't get to see him dance in and out of range much against big guys in the 70's, because he'd slowed down considerably by that point. But we saw flashes against Foreman, and in the 60's we saw how hard it was for Tyrell to land. I'm not saying Tyrell was on Wlad's level, but he was a decent HW, and it highlighted the important part Ali's footwork played.

But foot speed and balance are far more important than overall speed. Byrd was quick and elusive. He'd got fast hands and good reflexes. But his footwork never gave him the same opportunities as what Ali had. Their styles are completely different. Ali would have posed a different threat altogether in my opinion. So I can't use the Byrd fight as any sort of indicator as to what would have happened between Ali and Wlad. I think Ali's foot speed would have nullified Wlad's reach advantage. You can't say that Wlad didn't need to be as fast, because he has a longer reach. A longer reach is only an advantage to you, if you can get set.

True.

I respect your opinion, and it's a great debate. :good

 

I agree Ali would expose Wlad's weakness. Its amazing Wlad keeps beating bums and his fans make it out to be something big. I hope he fights Povetkin its long over due. Wlad vs. Povetkin and Haye vs. Fury. Finally some heavyweight fights worth watching.

 

Byrd was nowhere near as fast of hand or foot, as strong, as skilled, or as elusive as prime Ali man. And Wlad's offense is just too predictable, he is a robotic fighter that is tailor-made for Ali to counter. Wlad doesn't go to the body at all and primarily throws his jab with the straight right mixed in. Occasionally he will hook off the jab. Doesn't counter you coming in on him often because he's afraid of getting tagged if he misses the counter. Doesn't throw many punches because he's afraid of gassing out. And Wlad couldn't catch David Haye, he was just fortunate that Haye did not have the heart to try to make him pay for his misses. Ali would. The matchup has Ali wide decision or late stoppage written all over it.