Is it possible Ali's chin got better overtime

The ability to take a punch is 50% anticipation. The more experienced the fighter, the better his anticipation and skill at riding a blow. However, wear and tear won’t improve the physical ability to take a blow. So overall, no. Nobody takes a punch better. They either become harder to hit clean before they become washed up.

 

^Exactly. The cooper and frazier fights taught the brash young ali 2 lessons: never undeserestimate your opponent, be aware of the danger at all times (take every punch seriously).

Ali was always good at dodging and evading. Thats not what improved, Alis reflexes only got worse and worse over time after the layoff. This is well documented and obvious on screen. What improved was his maturity, ring generalship, defense, and learning to roll with a punch while his feet were set (he didnt think to learn these things before because his quick feet and high stamina allowed for him to simply evade for 15 rounds).

At best you could argue the extra weight and muscle he gained in the 70s may have increased his punch resistance and endurance but thats a difficult position to defend. It was only 10 lbs give or take. Plenty of other fighters gained weight and still arent good at taking punches (see Amir khan).

I think a huge factor people haven't considered is that Ali's willpower and confidence were much higher in the 70's. When he was young, he was relatively untested and hadnt been in very many wars or trying fights. It makes a huge difference in a fighters performance and grit once theyve gone through difficult fights and emerged victorious. And thats part of what helps you take a punch, not just mere biology. Ali was sure of himself after winning wars with guys like norton, Frazier, etc.

Let me put it this way: i think if you took the prime cassius clay BEFORE he won the title and had him lay on the ropes and try to survive foreman's assault, he wouldn't be able to. Not because of his chin, but his lack of an iron will forged through years of experience and victories.

 

No absolutely not, what improves is a fighters relaxation in the ring. A more relaxed fighter takes a better punch, experience with this is the determining factor.

 

This. Dundee confirmed that Ali became a little less reckless in the 70's with his defense and balance. However, Ali was crazy to underestimate Cooper, since Dundee knew very well how hard Cooper could punch, but Ali just wouldn't hear it.

 

I think so. I think he grew into his frame properly and was a bit slower but a lot tougher. I saw the same thing happen with Corrie Sanders. When he was young he was fast but had a bit of a suspect chin. Against Vitali he ate a shedload of punches and was still vertical.

 

Ali's balance was better when he was older because he was fighting more flatfooted. He was flitting about when young and it's easier to get decked when your feet are already partly off the floor.

 

Nope. He just has more experience. his style changed. He got bigger. Chins get weaker as you age.