Slowly but surely attaining all available footage of The Onion Farmer. He's not usually the type of fighter I'd go for, but after learning about his circumstances, I got to admire him more. He really improved from his early losses, and he fought and beat the greatest fighters of his time. Underrated combination puncher too from what I've seen.
Thanks. Great read! I think it also made a difference that Norton's long jab came from underneath, because of his crouch. That seemed to throw Ali off his rhytm.
Folley and Quarry were very different fighters. Folley was a better overall boxer IMO. Folley had good overall skills, decent power and durability. He was athletic with decent speed. He was no bleeder. The only thing they had in common was their size.
Ali had a great first round, a decent second round and was getting tired. He has said on multiple occasions that he was very lucky Quarry was cut so badly so early as there was no waqy he was going to be able to keep the fast pace he opened with ... on top of skill Ali had exceptional luck for a lot of his career and it was visible in this fight ... Quarry at this point against an Ali fresh back from exile and not it proper shape would have given Ali hell as the bout progressed.
ali looked good for 3 rounds but he also looked good for the first 3 rounds v frazier. wait til the mid to later rounds when he starts tiring badly, no longer up on his toes but standing flatfooted - that's the 4 year lay-off effect - still thinks he can pace himself like he did before exile - big mistake so he starts laying on the ropes to get a rest. he even admitted after 3 rounds v quarry he was way more tired than he thought he's be.
Yeah. Fighters like Liston,Frazier,Norton,Quarry and Bonavena in his first two fights after exile. Some picking and choosing,eh..? I'm surprised at Futch coming out with that. Ali's resume was second to none. Of course some easy fights are going to be included,but Eddie was talking like Ali was the only one who did this.
Agreed:good. Ali was more concerned with putting on a show hence getting hit, but its a boxing match so if your gonna do what Ali was doing your gonna get hit, although at no stage was he hurt or even troubled. As soon as he decided to get real it was goodnight Zora. As for the Quarry fight, i didnt think it told anyone anything about how Ali would fare in his 2nd career as it was over too quick
True, but at least he took him on. There were a lot easier fights available to him than Oscar (and quarry too)