This has probably been done, but that thread asking about post-exile Ali v post-jail Tyson got me thinking:- If we challenge Marciano and Louis for lack of competition, where are we with a bunch of pretty tepid 60's Ali challengers -- distance Chuvalo; 12 round Mildenberger; shot Williams & Folley; tanking Liston; back Patterson etc. Not to mention his two immediate pre-title disasters in Jones & Cooper. I got into boxing because I loved Ali. This ain't a hate thread. But for mine the Ali legacy is all about the 70's. Today, 1960's (never-existed-70's) Ali to me is probably seen behind Klitchko x 2, Lewis, Holyfield, Tyson, Foreman, Marciano, Louis, Dempsey, Johnson etc. Where does he rate for you if he never fought beyond 1967?
I think your correct with ranking him behind all those names. You could probably rank him between 10-12. His legacy would take a lick without the longevity and the Foreman win. He would probably be considered more of this mythical fighter than he is now if he never came back.
His best achievements came in the 70s. Best opponents, best wins, most exciting fights. His resume in 60s wasn't that impressive considering how shady was his 2nd fight vs Sonny and that most of his title defences were against weaker opposition.
It's an interesting question. I rate Liston higher than most, because I consider the KO and the quit job to be more acceptable, as they came against The Greatest. Maybe I'd be more inclined to believe the fix myths, if Liston lost to someone lower down. I rate Foreman equally high. Frazier is just about in my top ten, too. Ali affects the whole top ten landscape, for me. If he never beat Foreman, would I rate him above Tyson? So, right now I have Ali number one at HW. But without the 70s, I just don't know. I'd like to think he'd be in my top ten. Just.
H2h still he would be rated above dempsey,louis,marciano,tyson and everybody because everybody uses the 67 version of Ali in fantasy fights so it would not change too much
Difficult to figure given that that 60's version of Ali was sheer brilliance versus the 70's version that had fallabilities and ageing. I suppose it's that the made his 70's achievements remarkable , but his 70's self also takes some knocks. 60's Ali was a fighter at HW never seen before or since , yes his opposition was below par but I think we all kinda know he could've beaten better guys such was his level.
