Who do you consider the best heavyweight of all-time?

For the greatest head to head i choose the Ali of right before the exile.

This is Ali at the athletic best we ever saw. Regardless of unorthodox defensive technique and other his sheer speed and unique gifts allow him to quite likely beat any man ever. By the time he fought Frazier the edge off these gifts were declined, both from passing years and inactivity. His chin and durability also did not amazingly grow for having not fought for 3 years and gaining 2-3 whole pounds of fat.

This version of Ali would have had the stamina, footwork and extra speed to beat Norton convincingly, regardless of technical nuances which would simply not be exposed. I would also be putting much confidence in his ability to edge any version of Frazier. Obviously these two competitors would always make him dig deep and trouble him at various times, but i really don't see them beating a peak Ali who would undoubtably not have to trade as often.

 

Futch was dangerous to any fighter in the opposite corner. Ali met Futch years later and said "you always gave me trouble." Overboard? Nah.

ALL fighters have weaknesses.

...and we finish agreeably.

 

Other: Lennox Lewis

 

I took the train analogy to mean that the way you evade a train is to step to the side and let it pass because it will catch you going straight back. Louis dropped his left and Schmeling got him on that. Then Louis corrected that technical burb.

Age eventually catches up with everyone. I'm saying that it catches up with athletes years before technicians, all else being equal...

okay.

But we can and should look at boxers critically. Especially champions. Klitschko has a tender chin, so Steward is keeping him on the outside. Makes sense. He is also no technician in there aside from a basic set of skills you can count. Jab, straight right, clinching, periodically good hooks. Not much else. Size and strength compensates, but it doesn't make him a "highly skilled outfighter."

Tough to beat? Yep.
Advanced technical skills? Nope.

Comedy aside, that's about all I'm trying to say about Klitschko.

 

Ail Was A Smart Fighter

 

Ali

On a skills match-up its an intriguing H-2-H bout, in which I would still favour Ali by UD.

But, on a competition-faced basis its Ali all the way.

 

I would have to go with Super Southpaw Corrie Sanders. how are you going to beat a 6'4 225lb ackward southpaw who had lightning like hands, unbelievable god like power, a cement chin, and perfect technique?

 

James J. Jeffries

Beat nine hall of famers and made nine defenses of the World Championship.

In his prime never lost or never even knock down! (what other boxer can say say this?) Only lost once because he made a comeback after a six year layoff to fight the 2nd greatest boxer ever Jack Johnson in his prime.