I recently watched the first batch of title defences (again) and was amazed by how dominant Ali was against Floyd Patterson, Cleveland Williams, Ernie Terrell and Zora Folley. It seemed as though he could do anything he wanted in the ring - including clowning and playing - and the opposition could do nothing at all about it . Opinions?
Cleveland Williams fight, Ali was great there. But of course by then Cleve was no where near his best. What about the first Liston fight? I know sonny wasn't prime but no one had beaten him so one sided as the young Cass. A pretty dominant showing from him imo.
I agree that Ali was dominant in parts of the first Liston fight but having watched it a hundred times, there were moments when Liston looked like he may be able to catch Ali. However, in the second one, Ali looked imperious which is why I believe Liston quit...he just didn't want to fight someone that good.
