How many heavyweights could beat the version of Muhamad Ali that Joe Frazier fought?

I remember reading that Eddie Futch said to Frazier as they were getting ready to leave the dressing room for the FOTC "This is it, Joe...I can honestly say there is no one I would rather send out to fight Ali than you, including Joe Louis"

 

LOL!! 10,000 commedians out of work and your tellin' jokes

 

It was tough for anyone to look good against Ringo Bonavena. The man had absolutely no style whatever and was awkward as hell.

Of the quartet of champions mentioned above, I would think only prime Louis would have a solid chance against the Ali of 3/8/71.

 

Well, I think Norton has to be regarded as a POSSIBLE WINNER against '71 Ali.

I hear lots of different things from Ali supporters in regards to how good he was at different stages/fights in the 1970s.

Often it is claimed that he took on Frazier too soon, and was better after a few more fights, so his 70s peak was '72 to '74, rather than '71.

Personally I tend to regard Ali from '70 to '74 as more or less the same animal, with a few variations in how in shape he was.

True, I acknowledge he was in better shape for Norton 2 than for Norton 1 but I also say that he was not HORRIBLY out of shape for the first one, not by a long way.

Then consider the fact that a '71 Ali had not faced Norton yet, so he would still suffer from encountering the awkward Norton style for the first time.
Would a post-60s Ali ever beat Norton on the first attempt?

Finally, over 15 rounds I'd give Norton more of a chance, as Ali would probably coast a few more in between. Having said that, it's more rounds for Ali to nick too.

To be fair to Norton, I give him a good chance against the Ali that Frazier beat.

 

That is a good point, i had not thought about it yet.

 

Ali didn't like to be the total aggressor.

Jimmy Young would have always troubled him....'71 Ali vs prime Jimmy Young.

Of course Young needs to keep his head inside the ropes this time.

And yes it would be a terribly boring fight and and with truly "neutral judges".

 

Its an inside joke.

Back on topic, there is no one you could comprehensively make a strong case for beating Ali in a one-off fight based on the version that fought Frazier.

There are however a number of heavweights who would have "a chance" of beating him.