Joe Louis vs. 70s Ali

I don't think he was faded against Conn. We are talking first fight obviously which is when Conn gave him a competitive evening. By the time of the rematch after his break for the war he was certainly faded. He just wasn't the same man post war.

 

Not taking anything away from Chuvalo whom I respect a lot but I don't see how anyone can think that he won their second fight. Ali was almost as dominant as he was in their first one.

 

Yes, if they weren’t obvious enough per the vision of the rematch, Chuvalo himself identified the deteriorations in Ali. Very succinct appraisal by Chuvalo actually.

Now, about these few sports writers who gave him the fight…Canucks by chance? Lol.

 

I gotta respect all opinions here since it is certainly arguable either way.
One way to look at it is would Louis, clearly better than Norton, do better than him?

It is possible, maybe probable in a rematch where Louis did so well.
However in a one off or best of 3 I favor Ali.

Norton did have an effective technique that allowed him to perform above his level against Ali.
Being a little bigger than Louis would help, but nothing decisive.

I believe in his most active 1970's fights Ali landed more than Louis ever did.
It very likely will come down to a decision.
Would Louis have the ability to thwart Ali & score more?

Could be, but the odds are a bit against it.

 

Good post as always with food for thought. Louis may have been better than Norton all round but Ken presented different problems for Ali. I have thought a lot about this. I am now going for a 1972-74 in shape Muhammad to score a split decision victory over Joe.

 

I believe the scorecards were in rounds-12-0, 11-1, and 8-4. George had his moments but it was far from enough.

 

I guess there's always one.

https://ibb.co/Z2C4Dyc

 

Any Ali fron 65-75 beats him. Too big, too fast, too wily, too much heart.

 

With all due respect I wouldn't let that guy score an amateur fight. If one guy is dancing around his opponent pot shotting him while he's chasing him he won the round. The cards were 60 -46, 59-51, and 58-51.

 

Ali of the 2nd Norton fight and similar shape can potentially win. The lesser versions lose the decision if the ref doesn't stop the fight with Ali standing and willing to go on.

 

Thanks man.

Local journalists, God love ‘em.

I did like Ali being described as a Fancy Dan, transporting one back to articles written in the early 20th century or so.

Had he been around for it, Bob likely would’ve scored a shut out for Hart vs Johnson, Lil Arthur also being one of those, ineffectual, Fancy Dan types.

And Chuvalo over the hill since ‘62 at age 25? - I did not know that, lol.

One salient point Bob got right, he said at that point in time, Ali was in his best shape since his comeback.

Others, to this day, might argue that Ali was already acceptably up to speed when he first fought Frazier.

Although I have little else to concur with, I’m with Bob Mellor 100% on that single observation re Ali’s condition.

One final note, Bob’s cursory address and treatment of the sound issues was disappointing. I think he could’ve at least dedicated a further 2-3 paragraphs on the subject.

Checked on Bob, he passed in 2006, aged 71. RIP.

 

The ONLY fight I'd let that guy score is if I'm a participant. I might get away with a SD loss rather than a unanimous one.

 

Ali from 1965 until 1973 beat any version of Louis
If he is in peak condition.
He was to tough, to fast, to skilled, and
hit harder than ever giving credit for.
Love Louis, but in my opinion Ali
simply matches up very well against
him.
I believe Ali would stop Louis with in
10 rds.. Again between the years 65"
and 73".

 

The main reason prime Ali beats Louis was his footspeed. Without that, he gets bombed out late. Probably past the 10th,