Classic Boxing Blind Spots

Exactly how I feel about Muhammad Ali. 20 years at the top. Fought the best of two era's, the 60's and 70's. Beat Liston twice. Done well to win the title twice after his exile. Lost to Frazier in the FOTC, then went onto gain revenge over him twice. Lost to Norton, then rematched him months later and turned the tables. Beat the invincible Foreman when everyone had it set in stone he was down for the graveyard. And at the age of 36 he beat the youthful Spinks. And on top of all that he fought all over the world. Fighting in peoples backyards wasn't a problem to Ali, thats for sure. He was a boxing nomad if their every was one.

His challengers weren't too bad either, Foster, Terrell, Chuvalo, Quarry, Cooper, Lyle, etc. Ali came back from the dead many times. Coming back to regain the title twice after defeats to Frazier and Norton in early 70's would have been enough for many fighters............retirement.

He beat three ATG heavyweights who were all arguably top 10 in the division. Liston x2, Frazier x2, and Foreman.

Top 10. If not, warrants a dope slap.

 

Well, I appreciate your reasoning, but I can't concur... due to blind spot #4.

You may try to dope slap me, but I'll slip it and counter!

 

Superb ingredients for ATG top 10 status. If not, then god knows what a fighter has to do to gain a spot within someones top 10. Longevity, resume, adversity, Ali has the main ingredients for the recipe.

Ali wouldn't get into my top 10 based on a well packaged fighter who had it all. He was a brilliant pure boxer at distance who relied on speed and athleticism and proved later when past his prime to be 'durable' with some of the old skils still evident in flashes. Up close he was limited and rarely went to the body. In terms of a well rounded skillset with variety, not top 10.