Rank the best fighters Ali beat.

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Sonny's jab, Jul 21, 2007.


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  1. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    Regardless of what you think of the "why", do you really think that the Liston who arrived in the ring was better, more difficult to beat than Terrell etc.?

    I think you underate the Terrell win in general. Though Ali never looks like using, he was at his absolute peak for that fight. Put any of those guys in with him on that evening and they would have dipped on this list, no?

    Patterson below Quarry?
     
    McGrain, Jul 22, 2007
    McGrain, Jul 22, 2007
    #16
  2. ChrisPontius

    ChrisPontius March 8th, 1971 Full Member

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    I'm suprised by how low many people think of Young.


    He has a win over Foreman who is top3 on these lists, he made a very close fight with Ali (should've won), should've gotten the nod over Shavers, beat Lyle who also makes it on some lists here and should've gotten the decision over Norton who also ranks high on most lists here.
     
    ChrisPontius, Jul 22, 2007
    ChrisPontius, Jul 22, 2007
    #17
  3. Bummy Davis

    Bummy Davis Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I thought Young should be higher but I counted him as beating Ali, I thought we were rated Ali's wins based on how impressive, Young was up there with Frazier and Foreman, maby #2 but the win Ali had over him rates low(because I count it as a loss for Ali or a poor win
     
    Bummy Davis, Jul 22, 2007
    Bummy Davis, Jul 22, 2007
    #18
  4. Sonny's jab

    Sonny's jab Guest

    No. You got me there. I just felt obliged to put Liston somewhere. To be fair to Ali, Liston did box a bit and wing a few punches in in their first fight. He landed some hard shots to the ribs, and I had him winning 2 or 3 of the 6 completed rounds, so he was doing some fighting (but not much).
    Dropping him completely (as you did) would perhaps be wiser.

    I'm not rating the guys only on how they looked against Ali, because that would penalize Ali for performing at his best against the best.

    Ernie Terrell never impressed me. He's okay, but not better than the men I put ahead of him.

    Quarry was better, IMO.
    Especially considering Patterson's injury in the 1st fight, and his age in the 2nd.
     
    Sonny's jab, Jul 23, 2007
    Sonny's jab, Jul 23, 2007
    #19
  5. Sweet Science

    Sweet Science Peaceful Muslim Warrior Full Member

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    1. Liston I- Ali made him look bad, he would have beaten everyone else on this list.

    2. Foreman - Crude but menacingly powerful and undefeated.

    3. Frazier 2 and 3 (more so 3)- A true warrior gave Ali hell on all 3 occasions

    5. Patterson II- Extremely skilled and lightining fast.

    6. Norton 2 and 3- The bogeyman

    7. Bonavena - Tough mother****ing son of a *****. (pardon my french)

    9. Foster - Excellent jabber, I know he wasn't a real heavyweight

    10. Quarry II- Tough guy.
     
    Sweet Science, Jul 23, 2007
    Sweet Science, Jul 23, 2007
    #20
  6. Holmes' Jab

    Holmes' Jab Master Jabber Full Member

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    Totally agree here. :good
     
    Holmes' Jab, Jul 23, 2007
    Holmes' Jab, Jul 23, 2007
    #21
  7. George W Hedge

    George W Hedge Member Full Member

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    Your top 3 are correct, no doubt.

    Just 1 question.... why did you put norton of 1976 when ali beat norton much clearer in 1973... a better version of norton at that ?

    :good
     
    George W Hedge, Jul 23, 2007
    George W Hedge, Jul 23, 2007
    #22
  8. ChrisPontius

    ChrisPontius March 8th, 1971 Full Member

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    Norton started boxing late and had little amature experience, picked it up in the Marines i think. In 1976, he was somewhat greater because he had a nice winning streak (including Quarry) and a lot of experience whereas in 1973, an out of shape Ali was his only win worth noting.

    I ignored the fact that he probably should've lost the third fight with Ali, though. I just looked at who was best at the time Ali beat him, whether it was close, rightful or not.
     
    ChrisPontius, Jul 23, 2007
    ChrisPontius, Jul 23, 2007
    #23
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