What fights can I see the best version of Ali/Clay there ever was?

one of my favourites...others may not agree...have a look and see what you think..

it's 2nd era ali this....first fight after the frazier defeat...

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVwLlH7RmHQ[/ame]

 

While it's of course interesting to see Ali in all his late-60's glory as the blindingly fast and nimble fighter at the peak of his powers, I think it's more interesting to look at how he morphed from that and tailored his style over time. It was born our of necessaity for sure, but not all fighters can change sufficiently to augment their style and prolong their careers that way.

 

Very true.

 

Williams had been inactive the entire year of 1965 while recovering from gunshot wounds he suffered at the hands of a police officer arising out of a traffic stop. Boxing reporter Jerry Izenberg adds "...shot for no apparent reason." Williams was shot with a .357 Magnum in the abdomen, barely survived, and suffered permanent kidney damage, a loss of over ten feet of his small intestine, and nerve damage from the bullet which affected his left leg above the knee, causing it to atrophy as a result. Williams didn't however bear the policeman any malice. Some thought he had resisted arrest on suspected drunk driving.

 

Cassius Clay, 'I'm an Original'

No, not really.

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[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PNsLB7gyiw&feature=player_embedded[/ame]

 

Yeah, and even if the could, most fighters couldn't/wouldn't want to take that much punishment and end up the way Ali did anyway.
It was a very unwise way to prolong a career.

 

your peak cannot possibly be judged against cans, and the big cat was a can when he fought Ali

 

This can only be applicable for the post Manilla phase of Muhammad's career,imo. Prior to that,he had n't really taken that much punishment. With the exception of the Frazier fights and Norton bouts (I & II in this case)

 

George Chuvalo made him **** blood...
[url]http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Fighting/Boxing/2012/09/12/20190736.html[/url]

[SIZE=+0]"That fight was a great experience, a great night," recalled Chuvalo. "I lost the decision, but when it was over, Muhammad went to the hospital and I went out dancing with my wife. I definitely got the better part of that deal." [/SIZE]

Pyrrhic victory for Ali.

 

Ali looked magnificent when he beat Liston for the title. His jab was so quick Liston could not avoid it and Alis punches ripped Sonny apart. Sliced cheekbone, broken nose and a broken eye orbital.

 

Ali was so busted up he took two whole months to fight again.

 

Hey look, it's Senor Pepe. On time like a geriatric vulture circling around the rotting flesh that is another Ali thread.

 

excuses, excuses. nah, i'm just kidding. i know all these things about williams but ali looked incredible in this performance. all due respect to williams but i was surprised to find out he was inducted into the world boxing hall of fame. this is for another topic but i'm not sure he had enough good wins to deserve to be in the hall.

 

Id say Cleveland Williams would be one, His first with Liston, Frazier I, and maybe even His fights with Ellis and his one fight Foley...There all good.

 

So you consider two months a long lay off between fights ? :huh