#1: Ali-Frazier 3. This was an incredible display of stamina and toughness by both guys. The amount of punishment dished out in this fight was unreal, especially considering that both were past their primes, and this was in near 100 degree heat. I have no problem at all with the stoppage, but I always wondered what a 15th round might have looked like in this one. Ali looked beyond exhausted, but I'm guessing he would have summoned the energy to stop Frazier anyway considering what Frazier looked like in the 14th. I think this one still edges out Ali-Frazier 1. Ali-Foreman would be #3 for me. George was getting the "invincible" label by some, but Ali made him look completely mediocre that night IMO. This one cemented him as "The Greatest", for most of those who view him TBE Heavyweight.
If you want to to just sit back and see Ali show it all off - the Terrell fight is a good one. Same Ali as Williams but over 15 rounds against an opponent shelled up and looking to survive. I actually really like Ali’s performance in the first Liston fight - adrenaline driven and Ali boxing more by the book than I’ve ever seen him. No goofing off, he duly respected Liston’s skills and power - and raised his performance 10 fold from the Cooper fight imo. Liston wasn’t at his best but still no slouch - and Ali really planted on occasion when landing on the bear and shockingly shook up a guy whose chin was proven as granite in recent years. A great performance in every way.
Yep, In Liston I, you see Ali come out with herky jerky headmovement, exaggerated slipping, flying around the ring, throwing check left hooks and elbow blocking and parrying. When he comes off his toes and boxes off the pivot and jab, completely negates Liston's jab and doesn't allow him to set his feet. Slips inside and outside the jab, just staying out of range for Liston to be effective with headshots, just staying off centre to force Liston to reset his feet. Liston had success to the body but Ali was cleanly 'outboxing' him and showing plenty of fundamental skills that he's often accused of lacking.
The Holmes fight where he got his ass severely kicked. Frazier I where he got knocked down. Norton I where he got his jaw broken. A three way tie.
I know I’m flogging it - but I’ve just started in re-watching Ali v Chuvalo 1 - strangely one of the few Ali fights I’ve yet to download. Boy Ali dished it to George - punching hard, fast and incessantly. The jab was in great form. While some might complain of Ali’s tactics in other fights, Ali did not ONCE complain of Chuvalo’s blatant and repeated low blows which, after the fight, Ali admitted were the most hurtful shots. In a post fight i/v, Cosell asked Ali why he didn’t complain. Muhammad basically replied that there wasn’t time to complain. George might’ve danced with his wife later that night but he still would’ve looked like he was wearing a Halloween mask.
