Who beats Prime Muhammad Ali?

you dont see the genius in tyson's footwork compared to Frazier? frazier knew only one direction in that fight. Ali landed many clean shots despite the head movement because of this. Also, If that was tyson in there this punch was likely to land on Ali

This content is protected

This content is protected

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

I say this because unlike frazier, Tyson knew how to mix his punches up.

This content is protected

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VB6F22feBiI this video touches on what I'm talking about. Like I said before Tyson's movement was both defensive and offensive at the same time because he was fast enough to take advantage of it.

 

When people talk about prime Ali its before the lay off, that version of Ali would not be there like Douglas to be hit by uppercut!

 

yeah I understand that but, in the videos I posted before the lay off his opponents weren't able to close the gap or cut off the ring. Tyson would had better ring control so my point stands. Also, its clear Ali is not comfortable at closer ranges and that was where frazier and tyson fought so thats why its being discussed.

 

As much as I would like to say Tyson, I don't think Tyson would of pull this off. Lewis and Bowe I think could of done it. More so Lewis though.

 

Of the ones listed, it's prime Lewis, and prime Marciano.

Lennox at his best could beat just about ANYBODY. If you caught him unmotivated, wellll you saw what happened...

Marciano because of styles, I think would fare worse against Ali's competition, but could beat Ali the first time they fought. The thing about the Rock is he had that crouching defense which makes it hard to land clean. And Ali has had some problems against shorter fighters (Frazier comes to mind). The thing that convinces me the most is that during their sparring session for the computer fight, Ali complained that he was surprised Rocky was purposfully hitting him in the arms and that they hurt so much. I think an unorthodox technique like this would be very useful against Muhammad.

 

Lewis, Wlad, Tyson, and Bowe

 

You're right. Of course not...

But his opposition during that stretch is not the best of all the prime ATG HW's opposition during their prime. I'd take Joe Louis' prime opposition, probably Jack Johnson too, and perhaps Lennox.

Just saying that it is not unreasonable to pick against him. Schooling Liston, Patterson, Zora Folley, and Cleveland Williams does not mean he would automatically school other ATG's, that's all.

 

This is a great debate, people have got some great opinions like yourself.

This is how I see it.

I agree that from 63-67 his resume wasn't stacked. But basically, we know that he went onto beat Frazier, Foreman and Norton. They were great heavies. But when he beat those guys, he wasn't as sharp, as fast, or as fit as what he was before the ban. He'd definitely lost a step.

In my opinion he was a better fighter before the draft. He could dance for 15 rounds. He'd got the fitness back then and the reflexes. He aged very very quickly. He was a very old 32-33 year old.

So I see him winning the "Jungle" and the "Thrilla" while not at his best.

That's why I think he'd beat everyone on the list. We didn't even see his absolute, ultimate peak. It probably would have been in 68-69.

So if he could beat the guys that I've mentioned in the 70's, I think it's safe to assume that a better version of him could beat the guys from the poll.

 

Smelling salts were illegal in England to use in the ring.

Clay really dodged a bullet then.

 

:good

 

Absolutely. Good stuff.

You understand what I'm saying. I didn't say I'd pick anybody over him, as I probably wouldn't.

Things aren't so cut and dry as people would have you think.

 

Laughable for every of these fighter but Wlad especially took him 12 to stop Chambers, could not stop Haye, stopped shot to **** cruiser weigh Mormeck in 4 etc...he aint stopping Ali period!!!
Lennox has the best chance to win but not stop Ali.

 

Bowe's force might overwhelm him.

I believe Ali would show his best against Vitali and Holyfield.

 

:good