Lets say Ali got his FOTC rematch v Frazier in '72 and won and first defence is against Jamaica George ( the version that blew Frazier away). Assume if you like that the fight is in Jamaica or New York as opposed to Zaire. How do things pan out ?
Maybe Ali by decision. He took all of George's best shots. I think he would beat George with speed and countering.
This version of George is a bit less experienced than Zaire Foreman, but hasn't the inconveniences of Africa to deal with. Also may not have the negativity of Sadler in his corner being on the last fight of his contract..George said he didn't trust him in Africa.
The big danger would be Foreman being very much an unknown force. After what he did to Frazier and Norton Ali knew exactly what he was up against and really got himself into great physical and mental shape. Gil Clancy claimed they had Foreman doing too much heavy stuff before the Ali fight, vast amounts of work on a big heavybag etc. He said Foreman's swings ended up sounding like a bomb (or similar) on the bag but they got wider and slower and were never going to land on Ali. I don't buy it personally.
That's a good point that the Frazier Norton wins had Ali on high alert..in my scenario he wouldn't have that warning.
Ali would win always even if it was a 81 Ali vs 74 foreman.. ali would tire george and would ko him late. 1990 Ali would come back and would ko 90 foreman
Real life 1973 Ali fights: Joe Bugner, Norton 1&2, and Rudi Lubbers. Foreman probably equal or better than those guys just on power alone. Ali by controversial decision.
Muhammad,who would have been at least a 3-1 favourite,takes George a little too casually at first. After taking a short count from one of his haymakers Ali wins via a clear points verdict or late round technical knockout.
