How Would Other Big Hitters Have Fared Against Ali,In The Rumble?

Mike Tyson's body combos against Ali whilst roped up would have been absolutely brutal. I think Ali would have been smart enough to avoid getting into that situation.

 

That's my point. So many have the view of Ali he was a primadonna.
Very few give him credit for his physical strength. At times against
Foreman he manhandled him. Foreman was one of the strongest
heavyweight in the history of the heavyweight division.

Tyson was one of the greatest offensive heavyweights in the
history of the division. But he wasn't very good against fighters
that could grapple him, push him off balance, hold and walk
him back to the center of the ring.
his fight against Tillis is a prime example. As the fight dragged
on, Tyson waited for the ref to separate them.
He rarely forced his hands and arms free, or worked
his free hand.
Plus Ali was much better offensively than any Tyson
opponent .
I'm a Tyson fan, I appreciate his greatness, and
believe head to head , prime vs prime
he would be a nightmare for most heavyweight
champs.
But I also believe, Ali, even at that stage of his career, would be tough enough, skilled enough, and strong enough to withstand Tyson's early onslaught, wear him down, drown him in the deep water.

 

Now on the meat of this topic. No, no other heavyweight puncher would have much success against Ali using the rope a dope tactic.
Now , that doesn't mean he couldn't be beat using the tactic, but it wouldn't be by loading up on your punches looking for the ko. Ali's ability to slip, ride, redirect, and counter punches were still top notch in 1974. His ability to absorb blows when they did get through was legendary.
I believe boxers like Holmes, or Lewis both had excellent jabs, and most importantly, the patients to NOT get caught up trying to ko Ali, by over committing on your offense, and leaving holes in your defense for his rapid counters, they would have an excellent chance to beat Ali if he used the rope a dope tactic.
They would cautiously pick their shots and spots.
Fighting to win, but not to look spectacular doing so would be the key.
That's if Ali fought using the rope a dope tactic the entirety of a fight.
But Ali was a great fighter. Great fighters have the ability to change tactics in the heat of combat.
Ali would realize they were not falling for it, and would go to something else.

 

You can't really discern anything from that fight. Ali at the end of the day suffered 2 knockdowns in his whole title reign hes not someone you knockout early. But lots of big hitters could handle that situation better than Foreman did though weirdly Liston didn't. Foreman scored 1-2 rounds and got knocked out in the 8th its not that high a bar.

Tysons the last great big hitter I'd pick to do better in that situation. Tyson scoring 1-2 rounds and getting knocked out in the 8th sounds exactly how Tyson would fare against Ali on his best night. Its what happened to Tyson against Lennox Lewis.

 

Liston would do pretty well. He would have that jab working. Sonny wouldn't be falling all over himself after punching the way Foreman did.

 

Jim Jeffries would have scored his slats for a brazing!

 

Agreed and I think the same could be said of Joe Louis. But then again if Ali knew he was coming in against those types of punchers he’d likely have a different game plan.