What would of happened if Teofilo wanted to turn pro and fight Ali. I believe he could have won he had the size the reach the power the boxing skills to beat him. Just wanted to get other peoples opinions?
Amateurs don't beat championship pros in pro fights. Give Stevenson 30 fights and a few years, and maybe. Different leagues, different experiences, they take entirely different mental makeups. Stevenson would need experience to avoid gassing 4 or 5 rounds in.
Dude had already been the distance, 10 rounds, twice. Spinks had a bit of seasoning, and he got school when Ali actually showed up in shape.
Prime Ali would emphatically embarrass Stevenson who was beaten on several occasions by amateurs. He was upright, not too agile, and fairly predictable , but his one punch power pulled it out for him many times. I also don't think Stevenson had too much heart if the going got rough. Just my opinion. .
I wouldn't automatically give it to Muhammad Ali. That is the same thing they said when Teofilo took on Duane Bobick at the Olympics in 1972. Duane was so far more advanced, and already had defeated Teofilo in a 'one-sided' Decision. If history has taught us anything, never take anything for granted in a boxing match.
Assuming that Stevenson only fought in the 72 games and turned pro after that. He probbly would have been at championship form no earlier than 1974. Ali and Stevenson might not have meet till 1976. If Stevenson's game tranlated in to the pros he would have at some point been a champion. Considering that Ali was not at his best in 1976. I can see this going either way.
I give Stevenson a better shot in this scenario, then the straight turning pro and challenging in fight number one.
Stevenon was a great amateur, but the professional thing is a whole another animal, which he would find out real quick.His sucess is not guaranteed.
Oh for fuks sake! This old chestnut. He would do a number on him better than Igor Vysotsky. It is what it is. A top pro against a top am
In a 3-Round Bout, I'll take Teofilo...:good Muhammad Ali ain't no Igor Vysotsky. This content is protected