I just re-watched Holmes-Ali (going through Holmes fights at present). That Ali was awful and I've heard it attributed to a lot of things, but I felt the Ali that fought Berbick was much better. Sure, Berbick isn't Holmes, but I can't think that alone accounts for the difference. Two questions 1) How different is the fight with Holmes if Ali came in like he did against Berbick? I can't see a different outcome, but curious if it's any more competitive. 2) Does the Ali from the Holmes fight defeat any of the following that night? If so, how do you see it playing out? (a list of ranked fighters around that time) Mike Weaver Gerry Cooney Leon Spinks Michael Dokes Gerrie Coetzee Marty Monroe Trevor Berbick Greg Page Bernardo Mercado Ken Norton James Tillis Randall (Tex)Cobb Renaldo Snipes
Didnt matter what way Ali came in against Homes at that stage of Ali s career ,the outcome would have been no different ,in fact Holmes took it "easy " on Ali so there is the real possibility if Ali had of been able to perform a bit better Holmes would have went all out and seriously hurt Ali . Dont forget Holmes was one of Alis sparring partners when he was younger
1) a little bit more resistance by muhammad would possibly cause even harsher punishment by holmes. 2) no. no. no. no. no. no. no. no. no. no. no. no. no.
I've seen each of those fights one time. I vowed never to watch them again. They were a disgrace to boxing. Clay should've retired in 76/77. Any Clay fight after that isn't even worth watching or discussing, they are a disgrace to the memory of a great fighter. Holmes is an ATG and was at his apex in 1979/80. I would rather they had fought in 76 (or 77 at the latest). Beyond that, Clay didn't have a chance. The Holmes-Clay fiasco was disgraceful enough, the drama in the bahamas was a straight up farce to the sport of boxing, not even worthy of discussion.
Ali would more than likely lose to all of the opponents mentioned he was shot and should have not been in the ring vs Holmes or Berbick, Holmes was better than Berbick so Ali looked worse but both Ali's were shot
