1975 Muhammad Ali vs 2003 James Toney

The stylistic problems Ali would give James would be what you would have to be more concerned with, IMO.

 

Ali had slowed..but he was still quite mobile and quick on his feet.

His handspeed was still very evident and he holds clear height and reach advantages in this one.

Toney likes guys who come to him and gives him opportunities to counter and roll with their shots. He had clear issues with smaller, lesser fighters then Ali who didnt fight in the style that lends itself to his. Ali's ability of the backfoot was better then anything Toney has seen, only Roy can compare.

I truly fail to see any Toney fight from 2003 onwards that shows he could deal with someone like Ali. Not one fighter had the handspeed or the style of Muhammad..nor was even close to the calibre of him.
Ali fighting a intelligent fight just racks up the points with his jab and quicker hands..and moves out of range before taking to much in return.

 

Very weird style matchup. I think Ali would have the edge due to his long reach.

 

Why?

Why does Toney dictate this fight...Ali was one of the best at keeping a fight exactly where he wanted it.

Ali was a smart fighter..he wouldnt play Toney's games. A fight thats mostly fought as a shootout at range, with much posturing I would give to Ali any day. Suits him beautifully.

Even still Ali could afford to press the action a little his height and speed of hand & foot would allow him to peck away and move out of trouble.

Even Peter was able to do this..He just carefully worked behind a jab of sorts and didnt give James the countering opportunities that he did in their first fight.
Of course 2003 James was better...but Im pretty confident saying Ali was much better then Sam.

 

I'd wager that 2003 Toney vs. 1984 De Leon would be even more compelling.

 

Yes, probably.

Ali would TKO/KO Toney, the comparison is an insult to Ali TBH.

 

If Joe Frazier was pulled out in the 14th round.... James Toney would be pulled out feet first.

 

I agree. This would be no contest. Ali would be faster,stronger,have far more variation in his work,and be the younger man by 3 - 4 years.

 

2003 Toney is an underrated boxer however Ali is all wrong for him, Toney didn't like speedy or rangy fighters. Ali wouldn't even have the problem of being in the ring with a man who would pressure him because Toney wouldn't. Having said that James may nick a few rounds

 

Toney's face repeatedly hits ali's hands

 

tell your face to leave my fists alone.