Muhammad Ali vs Oscar Bonavena, May 27 1967. The day that they signed to fight.

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Richard M Murrieta, Oct 11, 2023.


  1. Richard M Murrieta

    Richard M Murrieta Now Deceased 2/4/25 Full Member

    22,635
    30,356
    Jul 16, 2019
    Muhammad Ali vs Oscar Bonavena, May 27 1967. The day they signed to actually fight. Ali and Bonavena fought on Dec 7 1970, Ali's second comeback fight prior to his bout with Champion Joe Frazier in March 1971. But what if Ali had fought Bonavena in 1967 instead of having problems with the Draft Board, the fight was supposed to take place in Japan, a 15 rounder. Who wins and why?
     
    Last edited: Oct 11, 2023
    Richard M Murrieta, Oct 11, 2023
    Richard M Murrieta, Oct 11, 2023
    #1
    Stevie G and BoB Box like this.
  2. Richard M Murrieta

    Richard M Murrieta Now Deceased 2/4/25 Full Member

    22,635
    30,356
    Jul 16, 2019
    If Muhammad Ali had proceeded with that title defense against challenger Oscar Bonavena scheduled for May 27 1967 in Tokyo, Japan, I see a different outcome than the Dec 7 1970 bout in Madison Square Garden, in which Ali won by TKO 15. In 91 days Ali would challenge reigning champion Joe Frazier in the same ring. I do see the 1967 version of Ali outboxing Bonavena, using lateral movement displaying all of his physical gifts such as stamina, footwork, speed, reflexes and timing, Ali was not a devastating puncher. Ali defends by a one sided unanimous 15 round decision in 15 rounds.
     
    Richard M Murrieta, Oct 12, 2023
    Richard M Murrieta, Oct 12, 2023
    #2
    Shay Sonya, Titan1, Marvelous Mauler and 3 others like this.
  3. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

    24,891
    8,046
    Jul 17, 2009
    Sounds spot on,Richard. Muhammad takes it by a clear margin.
     
    Stevie G, Oct 12, 2023
    Stevie G, Oct 12, 2023
    #3
    Richard M Murrieta, Fergy and ikrasevic like this.
  4. Dynamicpuncher

    Dynamicpuncher Boxing Junkie Full Member

    14,279
    28,966
    Jan 14, 2022
    Muhammad Ali in the mid to late 60s is obviously better but do you think a comeback Ali actually hit slightly harder because he sat down more on his punches and was a bit heavier ?

    I think a prime Ali loses less rounds vs Bonavena but doesn't actually stop him like he did in his comeback fight.
     
    Dynamicpuncher, Oct 12, 2023
    Dynamicpuncher, Oct 12, 2023
    #4
    Marvelous Mauler, KidGalahad, Richard M Murrieta and 2 others like this.
  5. ikrasevic

    ikrasevic Our pope is the Holy Spirit Full Member

    6,942
    7,384
    Nov 3, 2021
    Muhammad Ali in 1970 was no heavier than Muhammad Ali in 1967, but he was therefore slower.
    Oscar Bonavena in 1967 was heavier than Oscar Bonavena in 1970, so I believe he would have been knocked out earlier (before the 15th round).
     
    ikrasevic, Oct 12, 2023
    ikrasevic, Oct 12, 2023
    #5
    Fergy likes this.
  6. META5

    META5 Active Member Full Member

    1,345
    1,967
    Jun 28, 2005
    Ali of 1967 doubled and tripled his hookercut and threw double right hand leads from angles that fighters didn't expect/brace themselves for.

    If in the mood, I think he stops him between 12 and 14. If content with just outboxing him, he makes him look slow and average, with a sturdy chin and heart. Completely unanimous decision and only loses rounds where he does his habitual one round off to find range negotiation/new angles to start landing something intentional and not minding getting hit to the body a few times.
     
    META5, Oct 12, 2023
    META5, Oct 12, 2023
    #6
    Fergy and ikrasevic like this.
  7. Richard M Murrieta

    Richard M Murrieta Now Deceased 2/4/25 Full Member

    22,635
    30,356
    Jul 16, 2019
    But comeback Muhammad Ali was very vulnerable, sure he hit harder no doubt, but he was beginning to get tagged more, just look at his next fight against champion Joe Frazier on March 8 1971, he sure got his bell rung more than once, no stamina, or timing. I think I prefer the 1967 Muhammad Ali, I am not into drama, don't even care for soap opera's, just plain old skill.
     
    Richard M Murrieta, Oct 12, 2023
    Richard M Murrieta, Oct 12, 2023
    #7