Charles Martin is a one-time heavyweight champion of the world while Ali is a three-time king. Who would have won if the 2016 version of Martin fought Ali from 1980 (Holmes fight)?
I remember some posters theorizing that 1980 Ali could beat 1947 Joe Walcott. You never know what you'll find here.
Was Ali, in 1980, so far past it that an absolute lame like Martin could beat him? Ali died some years ago and I wouldn't bet on Martin to beat him now. Ali in 80 looked terrible against Larry Holmes and Larry would beat Martin if they fought today.
Considering how much trouble Young, Norton, Spinks and Shavers gave him during that time period (in fact, Shavers aside, all of them arguably beat him ), I'm confident that Walcott could get it done, though Ali could win an ugly decision here as was the norm.
Obviously Martin wins against this version of Ali. Pretty much any in-shape C level fighter could. He was just a zombie with completely shot reflexes and zero defense. I think Ali of the 2nd Spinx fight vs Martin would actually be an interesting and competitive match. Ali's power was gone, but he could still dance in spurts, had his jab, and ring generalship. Martin would need to bring his A game.
