The Ali who survived the dangerous Earnie Shavers in the Garden circa 1977 vs the Iron Mike that got taken apart by a revived Evander Holyfield. Good match-up between two greats past their respective primes. Who would have won and why?
Ali by decision, or possibly late stoppage if Tyson quits. There's no way Tyson is knocking out Ali, so Ali will take advantage as the fight progresses, taking Tyson into deep waters. Ali didn't really have any power in his punches by 1977, but Tyson might give up when he knows he can't win.
Ali UD. Tyson would only be a worry for the first half & even then I don't percieve a '96 Tyson as being more dangerous than '77 Shavers.
Shavers isn't in Tyson's class and is pondorous, I saw that fight, Ali-Spinks, Ali-Norton 3. Ali was a shell at this stage
Ali was horrifically faded against Shavers & in the 3rd Norton bout, but in my mind it's Earnie who truly made him completely & utterly shot.
He should have got out after Frazier 3, that fight and each subsequent fight saw him go down hill fast and I really don't rate him at that stage of his career. I wouldn't fancy his chances against Foreman/Holmes in 77 at all. Ali at this stage was there for the ego rubbing from his entourage and didnt want to admit it was over
I don't think Ali survived Shavers - I think he took a bad beating - and he would have taken an even worse one from Tyson - ps I had Shavers winning going away in that one
As one who is of the opinion that 1967 Ali beats any version of Tyson, I would pick 1996 Tyson over 1977 Ali. Both were past prime, but Ali was much further past it, and a number of HWs would have feasted on that version of the Greatest, Including current Wlad, prime Lewis, prime Bowe, etc, and even some lesser HWs.
Tyson was nothing in 1996................ali of 1977 beats tyson of 1996.....by tko in the 9th rd...........tyson quits.....and takes a verbal beating by ali for 9 rds
Ali was truly shot and damaged goods by 1977 but he still beats a 1996 Tyson. Because he still had an incredible iron will and ring savvy. There's no way Tyson is knocking him out early, and I don't believe a post-prison Tyson had the discipline, mentality or conditioning to break him down over the long haul or outwork him for a decision. Ali would have Tyson tied up all night, clown and psyche his way out of any troublesome moments and steal enough rounds or discourage and tire Tyson enough to win. Ali's ego and will would see him through. Tyson's lack of true desire and intensity at this stage would be his downfall.
Actually, Ali did survive a big 14th round by Shavers and was struggling in the last round until he amazingly started to pummel Shavers in the last 30 seconds or so of the fight. Shavers was hurt, exhausted and ready to go. I scored the fight 9 rounds to 6 for Ali.