Ali is a bad matchup for Big Daddy Bowe. He is able to use his jab, movement, and skills to befuddle him and cruise to a decision win. I have a lot of respect for Bowe and rank him in my top 20 all time, but he struggled against guys with good jabs (Golota, Tubbs) Ali is a hundred times better than Tubbs who nearly beat him.
Yep, just a horrible, painful beating for Bowe in this one. I can't think of many prime heavies that would trouble prime Ali so there's no shame in that.
If we mean "prime" as in each guy having the best night of their careers, then I have to go with Bowe by decision. This is also taking into account that it would be a fair decision and not one of the many gifts given to Ali (Norton 2X, Copper, etc). Bowe had tremendous boxing skills for a man as large as he was, and if he put all his skills to use, his size would be the difference. Bowe would be able to muscle Ali around on the inside (see all three Holyfield fights) and also would have the reach advantage to keep Ali at bay on the outside. In the end, Ali had the better hand speed, but that would be the only factor that he had as a big advantage over Bowe. Ali fought at around 215 or less for most of his career and didn't have real good power to be able to effect Bowe. All the meaningful shots would be landed by Bowe, who would also be the aggressor the whole fight. Bowe by UD 8-4.
Of course Ali had some power that would bother Bowe. Ali is no Holyfield and I respect Holyfield, but Ali would have danced circles around Bowe. Bowe would have gotten frustrated and would end up making a mistake that Ali would strike lightning. I could see Bowe getting dropped late in the fight. Prime for Prime.
Can't say it better myself. I see Bowe punishing Ali, and maybe Ali catches him like he caught Foreman. People hear the word "Ali" and they forget he's just a man.