The most underrated thing about Ali

For me the most underrated thing about Ali is his technique.

The orthodox position nowadays is to see the glass a bit like half empty - point to Ali's flaws (leaning back, hands low etc). But while there's truth to this, it's also true that he did other things very well. He had great balance in his footwork when punching and beautiful variety and inventiveness in his combinations. In his prime he also had moves you hardly ever see in HW boxing - like spinning away from the ropes behind a hook.

His ability to roll with punches was also a crucial tool in his defensive ****nal -especially as his legs slowed down.

 

Let's put it this way. Ali chose speed over power. He could of easily of used weights to bulk himself up and been a power puncher. Instead, he chose to not use weights and therefore be slim and fast.

 

Agreed. Ali was so physically strong but people are think punching power = physical strength. Wrong wrong.

 

This. We saw an example of Ali`s physical strength in the Foreman fight.

 

Very true. I think Foreman knew this and was quite shocked.

 

One of the things that was impressive about Ali that may get overlooked was his ability to make adjustments on the fly. There was so many times that his opponent whether Frazier, Norton etc had taken charge of the fight and Ali found a way to blunt their momentum. Manlia comes to mind when Joe was really tearing Ali up and Muhammad was able to come back in the 9th and stop Joe`s rally.

 

He was a finisher, great jab and big right, could take a punch, stronger than most give him credit for...my pick for the best Heavy AT.
What he didn't have, which didn't seem to diminish his legacy were:
No left hook whatsoever! Forget the one he landed against Ringo in Dec. 70. It was the 15th round and Oscar was gassed at that point. He NEVER used the left hook, or never hurt anyone with it; give me some fights where he used it, and landed it, to turn the tide in ANY of his fights?
No defense, at least not in the traditional sense, ala Pep, Benitez, etc. staying in close and slipping inside exchanges.
Despite that, he prevailed, again and again with his jab, right hand, and movement.
My somewhat limited $0.02

 

This.:good

 

The hook that fell Oscar was thrown perfectly with Ali's body weight fully behind it. Oscar also ran square into the blow. That blow would have put him and many others down round one or round 15.

Ali used his hook to great effect against Frazier in fight three constantly hitting Joe with it as he bobbed up out of his crouch and hurting him on several occasions with it.

The guy with no left hook was Holmes. Rarely threw it, did not throw it well and it had little power.

 

He was very cool under pressure. He knew when to bluff and didn't wilt or go to pieces even when in real trouble, like the 11th round with Frazier in their first fight.

 

Delete.

 

I suppose it has to be his power, because I don't think any of his other attributes are underrated.
Everyone knows about his speed, feet and hands, and his durability, toughness, ring generalship. We mention it all the time.

 

No. Weights don't make you a puncher. You either are a puncher or you're not. Vinny Paz, Tyrone Crawley........both lifted, neither could break an egg. Weights don't factor into it.