Obviously, Ali was not the same man after his suspension, but who do you think would win? I feel 71 Ali has the youth, but 74 Ali had the experience, and they weren't too far removed in terms of their physicals. Who do you think wins?
I'd favour FOTC Ali over the Rumble one, despite the results of each fight suggesting the opposite. The Rumble was a phenomenal moment in the sport's history, and has great symbolic value. But it wasn't a great fight. Foreman fought in an incredibly one-dimensional manner, and Ali didn't need to call on anything like his full bag of tricks to beat him. The FOTC however, was a huge moment in the sport's history - but it was also a great, great fight. A proper boxing match. Even in defeat, Ali actually produced an outstanding performance. It's just that Frazier conjured up probably the greatest performance in the history of Heavyweight boxing, all things considered. Ali did well just to keep that fight competitive and showcased more of his skills, ability and heart in losing that one than he did in winning in Zaire. I think the Ali who showed up to the FOTC would have beaten Foreman easier than he eventually did three years later.
Gotta go with FOTC, he was quicker and let's face it, less shop worn I'd pick him by UD, but it'd be close after all, it's still Ali in there
Lol I love this forum! It turns out that no one can beat Ali except for Ali himself! What a fight! One version to skilled to miss with a punch and the other to quick to be hit. One with underrated power and the other with a chin that shrugs off any punch! What a contrast of styles! While I am fairly certain that Ali will win, I am also convinced that Ali cannot lose! Quite the conundrum
