You're definitely on the money where the right hands are concerned,Bodhi ! Ali would use it as a lead on Holmes at times as well.
Holmes would edge it, Ali ALWAYS had issues with good jabbers, and with guys who can in-fight Holmes can do both.
Ali didn't beat quality opposition in the 1960's. I had him up 3-2-1 over Liston before Sonny quit, and the re-match was a tank job. Its tough to take these fights as on the level. Prior to these fights, he was nearly Ko'd by Henry Cooper and might have been if not for Dundee's rule-bending, and almost outboxed by Doug Jones. Ali defeated Patterson easily, but Patterson was fighting with a bad back. Maybe Terrell was Ali best win, but Ernie wasn't fast in that fight and fought with a damaged eye. ( He claimed Ali thumbed him ). Ali's looked his best vs. Clevland Williams, but the Willaims he fought was shot, both figurately and literally. It's not Ali's fault his best opponents in the 1960's suddenly quit, were past their best or fought him injured. Ali thinks Midlebberger gave him his toughest fight in the 1960's., and to put in in perspective no one thinks he was as good as Patterson or Liston. The difference was he was healthy and in there to win. Ali was too big and strong to lose vs. Mildenberger, but was outboxed in some rounds. For my money, the early 70's Ali was the better fighter. No, he wasn't faster, but he was a better counter puncher, stronger, and learned how to clinch. The 70's ALi certainly fought competition.
A right hand is not the punch to hit prime Ali with. It was a left hook. Holmes has a very poor hook. Conversely the punch to hit Holmes with was a right hand. Ali had an excellent very quick jarring right hand. Ali’s side to side movement would allow him to land punches at angles while Holmes more static style would search for the ever moving Ali. Holmes would land some jabs but many will be slipped. Competitive bout early but Ali’s style begins to dominate as the bout progresses. In the end Ali wins the decision 9-6 in rounds. Holmes is a swollen mess at fights end while Ali shows some signs of puffiness.
50/50 Holmes - Better jab Ali - Faster Both can take a great shot. Ali is quicker on his feet Neither has a great hook Holmes has a better uppercut Rt hands are pretty even Both have excellent stamina. Holmes Jab vs Ali's speed. And yes Holmes jab was harder faster more punishing and used on offense and defense. Much better jab. But can he content we with Ali's speed? Can his jab neutralize that speed? 50/50 for me.
Terrel and Williams, imo he had reached his best blend in terms of durability, IQ, speed and power. If he was still allowed to fight who knows how good he could've been by 69.
Both are great, I think the 60s Ali is just better and wins by decision. Too much foot and hand speed and Larry is a boxer and no one outboxes that Ali. After the layoff, as much as I like Ali, I think it would be a close fight and could go either way and I would not be surprised if Holmes edged him out.
