I am probably one of Witherspoons biggest fans here. However, Tim is not the right guy to beat Ali. Ali is too quick and if Tim had a weakness, it was that even in his best days, his activity level was not very high. Look at the Holmes fight. Tim hurt Holmes badly and Tim's biggest moments in the fight were bigger than Holmes's best moments. Yet Tim's activity level just wasn't high enough to win that. He seemed to have extended moments where he did virtually nothing. He still fought a good fight but if he had been a bit more active, he would have won. Against Ali (the 1967) version, Tim will be beaten to the punch and will struggle to cut the ring vs such a fast opponent. Ali would outwork him. Yes, Tim would likely win a few rounds with his awkward defense and excellent jab. He may even land the occasional hard overhand right. Ali, however, has too much speed, stamina and underrated power of his own. Ali UD, something like 10-5 or 11-4 in a 15 rounder. Now Tim vs early 70's Ali? Tim may give him some trouble like Norton did. I still favour Ali but he no longer danced for the full fight. Tim would land more vs this Ali. I still think Witherspoons work rate (unlike Norton) will not be enough but he has a chance of sneaking a win here in a triology, just like Kenny did.
Witherspoon is the poor man s Kenny Norton. If he's up for it and catches Ali at the right time.. Well let's just say it could be a big upset.
