Joe Louis would beat Muhammad Ali… possibly quite badly

Norton never faced a prime Ali and Norton's body attack was more consistent and committed than that of a Joe Louis.

Louis' style is not similar to Norton other than perhaps the parry of the jab. Norton jabbed with and stepped into quicker than I envisage Louis doing and when Ali had his feet and was able to dance somewhat in their second fight, Norton couldn't get off with the same regularity as in their first fight.

Prime Ali, full of the confidence of being champion, excellent radar, excellent reflex, immense durability and with an all-time jab, 1-2 combination, and pull counter and right hand lead, footwork emulating the great Pep and Robinson - I see him as being too nimble, strong and unorthodox a puzzle for Joe Louis to solve the first time around.

I fancy Louis' chances of forcing a stoppage in fights 2 or 3 as much more likely and then I temper this with my not being able to see Ali get bombed out and not beating the count and survive hellacious moments.

For me, Louis has to stop him as I don't see him outboxing him if both are at their best.

 

Terrific post ... I see it a lot like Oscar vs Trinidad as Louis would have to chase him consistently to have a shot of winning ... if he jabbed , stalked and shuffled after him it is a very tough matchup for Joe based on Ali's size , speed, strength and skill ...

 

This is one of those where you'd have to see it to know. I can see scenarios where either one winds up winning by knockout. I can see Louis calmly stalking and timing Ali with his stiff jab, followed by his blazing, two-fisted, beautifully timed, precise power punches, and following up with his amazing ability to finish. Louis would not be foolish, wild, or desperate in his approach. I can also see Ali using his height, reach, lightning handspeed and fast footwork with elusive head movement to outbox Joe badly, maybe even get him out with his fast lead and counter right or even counter hooks. If his head angles and footwork weren't doing the trick defensively, he would clinch, smother, and lean on Joe to frustrate him. But Joe knew how to fight on the inside as well, with digging, snappy blows.

Most likely, the fight is a blend of the two scenarios, which is why it is so hard to know. Maybe even a close, controversial split decision, with both hitting the deck at some point in the fight.

The 1938 - 1942 Joe Louis would be hell on earth for anyone, but so would be the 1964 - 1967 Ali.

 

Balanced and sensible.