From 1964-67, if a prime Charles was around, he arguably would have been Ali's best opponent. Of course, Ali would have to be favored, but Charles was arguably pound for pound the better fighter. But this isn't asking who ought to be favored, but how competitive would Charles make this fight, how long does it last and whats the result (UD, TKO etc)? Muhammad Ali This content is protected VS Ezzard Charles This content is protected
A young, prime Ali totally stops Charles before the tenth round. To fast, to everything against Ezzard.
I'm not so sure he stops Charles ,a prime Marciano hit him with everything and he was still there after 15rds and Charles was past his best then imo.
No doubt s Charles was one tough nut and could suck it up when the going got tough. I think charles was one of those fighters like Holyfield that, as he reached his middle 30 s he went through a little golden patch, where he seemed more durable. So I have a younger Charles getting stopped but the Walcott /marciano slightly older version probably taking Ali's best punches bravely but ultimately losing a wide decision.
Charles was great but Ali takes away his speed with his own peppering Charles at distance. Ali just would not be there to be hit in return. In a 15 round fight Ali stops Charles in ten rounds.
I would favor Muhammad Ali to win as I’m sure the majority would. But I think prime Ezzard Charles could give any version of Ali a better fight than some might think. He was one of the most skilled fighters of all time with speed, stamina, durability, generalship and had faced a wider range of styles than just about anybody. In the end I think Ali wins a decision but not without working for it. The deciding factor for me would be Ali’s superior speed, athleticism, reach and output.
Ali 116-112 or 117-111 type scorecard. Charles from the 1st Walcott fight (his prime IMO) would set traps and close the distance and land here and there with his own speed, may give him something to think about throughout, but Ali outboxes him from the outside for the most part and wins on the cards.
Ali was too big and too fast but Charles stings him a few times on the way to losing a comfortable decision or getting stopped late.
