Let's say Louis had been born in 43,just after Ali. He turns professional more or less the same time. As these two legends make their way up the ranks, what happens? Do they get thrown together before a title challenge? Or what if Joe meets Liston first and Ali challenges him after. Could these two actually share a decade as Holyfield and Lewis did or does one eliminate the other from being a top contender early on? Does a young Ali have a advantage over a young Joe with his speed and unorthodox style or does old school win out?
I am certain that they would both get a piece of the pie one way or another. Even if one had the others number, the other would still break through based on the other strong contenders in the division, or based on some advantage in the timeline.