What was a prime Patterson? His defenders keep saying he was better through the 1960s that when he was champion. That's when Ali beat him.
Floyd had a slipped disc in '65 fight and eye injury in his last fight when he was 37. 1960 could be considered a "prime" version and with his power, speed and style would have had a good chance against a 1964 Ali who had trouble with lesser fighters such as Jones and Cooper. The weight differential would not have been as great and Ali's leaning back defence may have suited Patterson.
Yeah, prime Patterson isn't really a thing. He was a man who learned what he was even as his considerable physical gifts began to desert him. I personally think we've seen the full extent of the trouble Patterson would have caused Ali. Not that he couldn't have done a bit better with circumstances.
A Prime Ali.. was what ? The Zora Folly Ali... ? (Albeit Post comeback he was still Very fast..more Mature and when his hands were good..Hit Harder..so perhaps debatable) but even without a Back Problem, Floyd would be facing an Improved Ali.. The fact that Ali rarely went for the quick Kill (Ali had deemed a Lack of respect from Cleve Williams and Hugh Benbow so wanted to prove a point.. ) Floyd was always respectful and a sensitive man one couldnt fail to like So i would Expect Ali to take a Scenic route to victory.. Ali Knows he owns Long Range and when Floyd does close the gap to fire fast Combo's he has the footwork to re-adust the distance.. I'm afraid i can see a bit of a water totrure application by Ali... And Floyd Ever Brave is worn down..if Ali Lands a right hand or double Right like he did Folley i would expect Floyd to rise.. but hope a merciful Ref or Corner would wave it off... A Brave effort by Floyd and Slow-Mo replay might be needed to fully appreciate some of the early rounds Combo's.. Ali approx 9th for me...
True. He seemed to have changed and reinvented himself on a few different occasions to meet the climate he was boxing in. Physically I think he was best around the time he avenged the Johannson defeats, but was at his wisest when he met foes like Quarry, Ellis and Bonavena. The inbetween version who fought Ali the first time was probably the most ideal for that type of opponent, though I've heard talk of " back problems" in that fight.
