First of all...I'm not interested in a prediction...But I'd like to know how the board views the tactical/stylistic strengths and weaknesses of both these all time great boxers...and how they would mesh in the ring. Robinson, an aggressive, vicious boxer/puncher against the fast jabbing and mobility of Ali... Both fighters have demonstrated unquestionable greatness in their careers, with amazing physical gifts, boxing skills, and ring IQ's...and incredible durability! Jim Jacobs was quoted that Ali was Robinson cubed...and actually timed Ali's jab was faster than Robinson's through some kind of film scychronizer(?) and in his opinion...Ali would be the victor if the two were on the same plane in weight... Ali held Robinson in very high regard, as the best fighter 'pound for pound' in the history of boxing...Neither man faced a facimile of the other ever in their careers...Sugar Ray was a stone cold, aggressive, explosive power puncher with lightning speed and reflexes...against Ali, one of the most physically gifted fighters in history, with incredible speed, indomitable mind set, and durability...Both were uncommon in their determination to fight through and prevail against anything presented to them in the ring...Ali fought to the 'verge of death' against Frazier...Robinson did the same against Maxim in the heat...They said that Robinson was in ill health for six months after that fight...following severe heat prostration. Both of these men are gladiators... Imagine the press conference with the old school Robinson, and the loud, flamboyent Ali!
I would say that Robinson was maybe more a complete pugilist moreso than Ali , in that he could fight and box , Ali could too , but i dont rate Ali as an attacking fighter on Robinson's level. Robinoson was not just a fighter though , he was able to shut another guy out by winning solely with the jab and some footwork , but Ali was definitely the greater defensive artist of the 2 imo. Ali - His best asset , as we all know , was his spped and reflexes , i hope no1 underestimates this speed of hand and foot , it was beyond words and can only be believed by watching the man. Sonny Liston was a great, great fighter , and there was a clear gulf in class when they fought. His stamina was unreal and his power underrated. He fought in a golden era of HWs and emerged as the best , in fact , he fought in 2 great eras of HWs , and emerged as the best both times. He had a great tactical brain , comparing Ali in the 60's to the 70's looks totaly different , the 60's Ali is simply a candidate for the best fighter ever p4p , the 70's Ali doesnt look as good , but look at the resume and it implies greatness. He always maintained his great ring generalship, even when he slowed. Robinson - Alright , Jim Jacobs may have made the comparison between the 2 , but as far as i know , there isnt any film of the WW Robinson (correct that if im wrong though). IMO the best fighter ever , his greatest strength may be the precision and calculation of his rapid-fire powerful attacks , which were usually to head and body. It is my opinion that a great defensive-minded fighter would not be able to best Robinson , as his attacks were too great to be defended against (for the reasons stated above). His record alone implies greatnes of the highest order - in that era when fighters had a torrid schedule, greats such as Moore and others are forgiven for having losses on the record , but Ray lost just once in his prime, and that was to a bigger man who he beat 4 times before moving up in weight and doing it again. And just look at the opponents he was beating so often , astonishing is an understatement. And he emerged as the best of a golden era of MWs when past his best - until age became too big a factor to overcome for even him. His defense is underrated imo , his in and out movement when on the attack was a great defense in itself , and usually spelt the end of the fight if he hurt someone in the process , as he was one of the best finishers of all-time. This is hard , as Ali h2h in his prime is seemingly unbeatable , this has een debated so often , but he was a very special talent. Robinson had the same asstes in his speed but they used them differently. Still , Robinson imo
Thanks , ive seen that before though , i meant any film of him at 147 , ive seen loadsa clips that might include some welterweight footage , i doubt they do though , otherwise i think i would have come across an actual welter bout he was in he looks great there though
There are highlights and clips of Robinson at Welterweight, vs. Angott and Fusari, but no full fights.
I thought id seen some clips , i wonder why they dont have the full fights , its a shame neither of the Gavilan bouts were filmed aswell
