Who has the style to upset a prime Ali

I think Holmes having been a sparring partner knew Ali's game better than anyone and that coupled with the jab would give him a great chance.

 

As much as I'd love to believe otherwise there's no way I can see Rocky getting to Ali.

 

Frazier

Those who follow would be Marciano, Tyson, and Louis as the next best options to in my book.

 

Mike Tyson in his prime would give prime Ali the toughest fight I think, I also think Ali would have difficulties with Holmes stylewise.

Ultimately, id fancy prime Ali to decision both men, especially over 15 rds but those 2 would likely be his toughest fights.

 

My choice of Holmes requires a bit of a leap of faith...I believe Larry would be smart enough to realise that chasing Ali around the ring is fruitless.

So in a nutshell I'd say Holmes would have the intelligence and discipline to take up a spot in centre ring make Ali lead more than he'd like.

 

I can't see Tyson having the mental toughness to beat Ali. Unless we're talking the post 1975 version of Muhammad.

 

I respect your view,and it's quite feasible. The thing is,Muhammad would be doing his best to make Holmes lead off too.

 

Cant see it myself... but I think he would always be a tough obstacle for prime Ali with his overall skills & jab... I think the difference would be the speed of hand & foot of course & Ali`s greater ability to throw combinations & finish strong in the championship rds.

 

This is where I have disagreed with many posters here on ESB.... I actually dont think Tyson had any weak mindedness in the 80s, I think that **** built up on him due to things that happened in his life over time, I dont doubt for a minute that a prime Tyson would be there 100% & focused vs any fighter of the past, I dont think he`d get discouraged as we saw post jail.

Ps. My money would be on peak Ali tho but Mike presents huge problems for anyone, including Ali.

:good

 

Of those Ali didn't fight I think Marciano would have the biggest stylistical advantage. A very tough fight for Ali.

Personally, I don't think Holmes would be quite as difficult as many believe. Forget about the battle of the jabs, Ali had GREAT right hand counters. Think that would be Holmes' undoing.

 

Fighters who have the speed/movement/left hand to make Ali pay for carrying his right low and leaning back away from punches.

1. Holmes/Tyson would be the best styles, both very fast athletically near Ali's equal, both excellent left hands and either the jab/timing or pressure to upset Ali
2. Lennox's overall quality and size is bound to cause problems
3. Holys skill, speed of foot and pressure would cause allot of problems too
4. Frazier has a decent chance, Ali wasnt far gone in the first fight but he wasnt prime either or fighting the smartest fight
5. Wlad/Vitali, I wouldnt pick them to win but the rangyness of the left jab will be a big problem for ALi

Champs with little chance

1. Louis - too stationary and too ponderous for someone as fast as Ali
2. Dempsey - open defense, small, relatively weak and punches that were telegraphed
3. Marciano - too slow and too small
4. Jeffries - inadequete skill set, basic
5. Johnson - low workrate and a bit primitive/basic

 

if you want to separate fighter from his style ask :
what is the style to upset a prime ali.
because FMJ with vitali's style (or even hisself , which may be better) , can't beat a prime ali , and vitali with his style would have definitely beat a prime ali.

 

why would ye ? this is ESB's classic forum FFS .:yep

 

tyson/lewis