Is Ali untouchable as far as criticism goes??

Ali didn't train hard enough for Norton, the first time round. He foolishly underestimated him. It was a competitive fight, despite Norton breaking Ali's jaw...but Norton won it fair and square.

The rematch, where Ali was fully prepared was still a very competitive bout. Ali had no excuses here: and Norton proved himself a good match against Ali. Ali got the nod, and most folk agree this was a fair verdict, but it was close.

Forget the third Norton fight. Ali should have retired no later than Manilla. Ali was shot here, hardly able to put a combination together. Norton got terrible advice from his corner before the last round where he was told to play it safe as he "already had it won." Ali knew it was close and gave it his all in the final round.

Most think it was close, but that Norton won it. Champions often get the benefit of the doubt in close fights. But this was a 'win' against an Ali on the decline.

Norton was a very good fighter. His style made him very good against boxers like Ali and Holmes who let him come forward. His style was not good against big punchers like Foreman and Shavers.

Overall, boxers like Ali and Holmes were greater than Norton, despite him giving them hell. Ali and Holmes proved they could cope with a greater variety of styles than Norton could.

But Ken Norton should not be overlooked...he was a true star of the 70s, who would give many ATG boxers a very tough evenings work...

 

I think Ali was, and is, a devout Muslim in many ways. But there is no denying he had a weakness for the ladies as a younger man. He admits this himself, now.

Without saying if he was right or wrong to do it, I think Ali was brave to make his stand against the US Government in refusing to go to war. It is likely that he would have been protected, and not sent to the front line. Perhaps he would have put on exhibitions for troops, etc. He would have become the darling of the conservative media.

Instead he chose to become public enemy No. 1 and lose his heavyweight crown and his right to do what he loved to do most: to box. I don't think Ali was a coward. I think he was in the pocket of the Nation of Islam and did what they told him to do. If they would have told him it was OK to get drafted, I reckon he would have done so.

I agree Ali was lacking as a devout Muslim in his numerous adulterous affairs, but the Nation of Islam never criticised him for this, so he carried on doing it. (they did tell him to divorce his 'westernised' first wife, which he eventually did).

 

:rofl

 

:rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl I can't stop laughing.

 

Oh yes, Holmes really struggled against Shavers. He didn't out box him at all. Hell, he even went down!!!

 

He even made Tyson grimace with a body shot. I think it was a right uppercut to the solar plexus.

 

Larry's speed was only a fraction of what it was in the Cooney fight, IMO his last peak fight.

 

Ok, you didn't like that, then here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJCZbmiNMT8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yq_fptFt-FE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIECw7mKqtI&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWTufqY2Y9M&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsvTo4bXI8M&feature=related

 

:good

 

I enjoyed watching I AM LEGEND get owned. It is gonna be a good day.:smoke

 

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Just been sent a home made video of "I am Legend" with his dog Tyson.

 

Are you trying to tell us something about the toad, John?