Had Ali been assasinated in the late 60's / early 70's

It doesn't strike me as that outlandish a scenario...

One important question is what happens to Foreman's rampage through the division? While he likely would not have the second career, without the confidence hit of the loss he could very well have pounded his way as champ up to a late 70's Holmes fight, which would have been very, very interesting.

If George beats Holmes, who would likely still dominate after George's retirement, he has legit shot at a #2 spot.

 

Yes he did. In the early 80's he converted to Orthodox Islam.

 

That film was ok,but my criticism of it is,that in the portrayal of the 'Rumble' Will Smith's face was caked with makeup at the end,making it look like Ali's face had been battered. It was n't like that in reality. That's part of the reason,why nowadays,a lot think that Ali was getting killed on the ropes for 8 rounds prior to the knockout. It is forgotten or ignored that Ali was constantly catching Foreman with punches too. Look at the real fight. If foreman's puffed up features had n't been caused by Muhammad's blows,then Zack Clayton must have been doing a really subtle job !!!

 

I'm not sure Foreman hangs on until Holmes as Young beat him but if he does Holmes outboxes him. Holmes also may not be as good after not having the apprentiship as Ali's sparring partner.

Frazier would be ranked much lower as he wouldnt have the win over ALi and would still be destroyed against Foreman

 

I have to disagree. Smith's face was a slight exaggeration, but they didn't have him all busted up. Ali didn't look the same at bout's end when compared to how he looked entering the fight in real life either. The film has Foreman's face swollen as well. Ali catches Forman with clean punches throughout the film's bout. In the section I posted, Foreman only lands one clean shot to the head.

Find one film with an actual fight replication that captures the authenticity of Ali and Foreman.

 

Had another look at it on youtube. You're pretty much right really :good

 

I still wish that Muhammad had retired in 1975,after Manila. His place in boxing history would still have been as high as it is. His health today may even have been better too. As I've said on previous posts,neither Ali or Frazier should have set foot in a ring after Manila,unless they were dressed in a suit.

 

Probably a top 5, top 10 heavyweight minimum.

 

"If he never came back to boxing" may have been classier. Louis would still be GOAT with no competition.

 

Foreman would have retired 50-0 in 83-84, and never came back, jersey joe would be rated higher.

 

Jimmy Young would still be fighting though.

 

the george from the young fight and the ali fight were completely different.

 

They both had the same exploitable weaknesses in the same style.

 

foreman tryed to box too much, he did the same in the lyle and 2nd frazier fight. maybe young could pull off the upset but i highly highly doubt it.

 

holmes turned pro from fighting with ali, or so he says in his book. as for foreman i see him retiring early 80s 50-0 or something