Dannell Nicholson Tried To Be a Poor Man's Muhammad Ali

He did, and I think it's sad. He even copied Ali's flaws, like fighting with your hands down and leaning back to avoid incoming punches rather than blocking. It cost him here against Tua, because in the 5th round, Nicholson leaned back to avoid the jab, but the following left hook caught him flush. Dancing against the ropes with your hands down is just plain foolery. To me, he looks like an Ali impersonator who lacks the skills, quick hands, and iron chin of the real thing. This is one of Tua's most devastating knockouts, btw.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dASi84Pdh6I[/ame]

 

I get sick of fighters who copy Ali. You can tell that Lennox Lewis and Larry Holmes took adapted a few things from Ali's style, but they weren't trying to be identical copycats. Aye-Carumba. Nicholson even adapted Ali's arrogant sneer.

 

Tried and failed. Nicholson's hopes of being the next Ali went crashing down with him when he got caught with those left hooks.

Why hasn't anyone tried to copy someone like Joe Louis, Floyd Patterson or Evander Holyfield? Everybody wants to be another Ali. I don't get it.

 

You're cute.

He always said Ali was his idol. He used his jab and fought from the distance. (like Ali) He also danced sometimes, but it was some horrible reggae shoulder thrust rather than a fleet footed shuffle.

 

It does make me feel better, actually. I don't care if someone tries to fight like Cliff Couser. Anyone but Ali. Nicholson took the impersonation too far.