How did Ali defend himself from liver punches vs Foreman?

Ali’s will to win was unparalleled he never went out on his shield because going down and out wasn’t an option, no fighter in his eyes deserved to share the ring with him and everyone who made him feel any less then the greatness was lucky and he was having a bad night losing would take away from his claim and it couldn’t happen he’d rather die every second he was up and in the fight two hands and a heartbeat was all he needed to win just one moment.

 

One crucial part was that he took away Foreman's jab early by beating him to the punch with his own punch. That deprived George of the most natural set-up.

 

He didn't seem that effected the hours after the fight. He was out celebrating with fans all night.

 

You don't feel the side effects of a beating like that until the morning when you wake up. It sort of feels like when you have an intense work out and then go to sleep, you feel sore all over. Heavy handed guys like Foreman have a long term effect when they hit you that gets worse and worse. Guys who fought and sparred with him said his punches had a "numbing" effect. It's a totally different sensation from sharp or explosive punchers who have an immediate jarring effect that sends a shockwave around your whole body.

Tim Witherspoon also commented that Ali often hid how tired he was or how much pain he was in after fights to spend time with fans.

 

To quote Balboa "the next day your whole body feels like a bruise".