Muhammad Ali (1974) vs Current Oleksandr Usyk

Usyk wins this one. Prime Ali vs Usyk is 50/50, but the 1974 version? That Ali is slower, less mobile, and still carries the same technical flaws Usyk would exploit even against a prime version. Usyk may not be as fast, even compared to this Ali, but he’s in far better condition. He can go a hard 12 rounds without fading, constantly applying pressure.

Ali might find early success with his straight right, especially off the jab, but once Usyk adjusts, takes it away, and starts controlling the rhythm with his footwork and feints, the momentum shifts. Usyk’s body work would give Ali real trouble. Ali was never great at defending to the body, and Usyk’s ability to mix levels would force him into a reactive fight and eventually, that left straight finds a home.

Once Usyk seizes the initiative, Ali would get lost as he was never great at adjusting when things didn't go his way. He wouldn’t be able to dictate the pace, control the distance, or land clean. Usyk would pile up points through movement, volume, and ring generalship. It wouldn’t be a beatdown, but it’d be clear wide, decisive decision win for Usyk.

 

Usyk's body work isn't going to do anything to Ali. Ali absorbed exceedingly violent body shots from Foreman and Frazier and still kept his work rate high. Usyk's body work is good but pales in comparison to those 2.

Usyk has not faced a guy who can beat him to the punch. His entire game will be thrown off vs a faster opponent.

On the other hand, i can see Ali really struggling with Usyk's fantastic jab. I think Usyk will have a lot of success with the jab. I also think Ali will shoot straight rights and left hooks with a lot of success.

Close fight. Ali still has the quicker hands and unlike Fury, he can maintain a high work rate for 12 rounds. People are vastly underrating the work rate that Ali still had. Ali was a marathon runner compared to Fury and Joshua.

If you are talking Ziare version, i can see Ali winning a very close hard fought decision. This Ali was 32, in tremendous shape, and would have a significant speed advantage vs a 37 year old Usyk. But Ali's jab would be less effective than usual, he would be forced into leading with the right and left hooks (which he could do to be fair), and Usyk has the stamina to stay with him.

Ali close UD but i have zero issue with someone picking Usyk. Usyk wide? I can't see it. Usyk just hasn't fought fast mover types. I mean we seriously can't count a 270 lb Fury in that category. Even at cruiser, the types he excelled against were boxer punchers like Breidis, Bellew, Gassiev.

Ali close UD, 7-5 for me. But zero issue with anyone leaning Usyk.

 

Both would be past their prime I think Ali could win a controversial decision based on his name value.

1974 version of Ali was the last time he was in really good shape and I think he still had enough left at this point to edge past Usyk who as I said is past his prime at this point also.

 

Hunter?

 

Hunter is a solid call. Forgot about him. Still not as quick as Zaire Ali who had supremely quick hands. Hunter did give Usyk a good fight for 4 rounds and then slowed down partially due to the body shots. Ali kept a high work rate despite Foreman beating his body with hammers for rounds and rounds. So the same tactics aren't going to work here. Ali will be able to sustain that speed where Hunter really notably slowed down after a few rounds.

But yes, aside from Hunter, Usyk is not accustomed to quick fighters. Certainly not someone with that kind of hand speed. Just like Ali isn't accustomed to a superb southpaw jab that will come from all sorts of weird angles. That's why i think the fight would be so even. Ali's lightning quick lead rights and left hooks and Usyk's up jabs, angled jabs etc.

 

If we are talking about Ali on his absolute best day he beats everyone including Usyk, Tyson, Holmes, Bowe.

 

Ali by decision, and I doubt either man would look terribly good during.

 

I’ll take Usyk. 1974 Ali beat Frazier while excessively clinching and laid on the ropes against Foreman whom rapidly tired. Ali can’t dictate the pace with Usyk. In Ali’s very next bout he went 15 and was “knocked down” against Wepner in March of 75.
Boring fight but Usyk will make Ali fight when he doesn’t want to.

 

Ali

 

Does Ali ever lose these fight polls?

 

Nope way too popular and loved.

 

Ali easily. Past Manila, different story.

 

Should the GOAT lose fight polls?

 

Even the GOAT lost actual fights