Prime Jess Willard vs. ‘77 Ali

Power: Willard
Hand speed: Ali
Chin: Ali
Stamina: Willard
Foot Speed: Ali
Defense: Ali
Strength: Willard
Ring IQ: Ali by a mile
Accuracy: Ali
Timing: Ali
Finishing ability: Ali

Ali by easy decision. 10 rounds to 5. Even at this stage Ali was lucidly superior in multiple categories and was still beating ranked contenders in 77 despite being a shell of himself with diminished reflexes and athleticism. Ali knew how to win rounds, knew when to coast, and could still dance in short spurts when needed.

About the only form of combat Willard would beat this version of Ali in is barnyard wrestling. The best version of Willard got outboxed by an old Jack Johnson for 17 rounds getting blasted in the face repeatedly before Johnson gassed out and Willard took over. Meanwhile, 77 Ali easily outboxed a prime ranked Evangelista and emerged victorious in a war with arguably the best version of brutal punching Shavers.

 

Agreed. Willard just does n't possess the skill to deal with even a badly faded Ali and even at that stage in his career,Muhammad would be tough enough.

 

35 yr old Ali beats 34 yr old Willard, yes if it is a contest about throwing hay bales in a field then Willard wins hands down, but in the squared circle then Ali is king.