Would Ali not have been Ali had he sat down on his punches and went to the body more?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by MixedMartialLaw, Mar 22, 2026.


  1. MixedMartialLaw

    MixedMartialLaw Combat sports enthusiast Full Member

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    I've heard the defense that Ali attempting almost no body shots and staying light on his feet, rather than sitting down on his punches, was necessary for his overall style and strategy.

    If Ali had looked to incorporate both of those a bit more, however, surely he’d still have been successful based on his overall talent.

    I think a heavier, slower Ali in the 70s could have benefited somewhat by focusing more on the body and sitting down on his punches, since his zipping speed wasn’t what it once was.

    What would be the arguments against him doing so?
     
    MixedMartialLaw, Mar 22, 2026
    MixedMartialLaw, Mar 22, 2026
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  2. ThatOne

    ThatOne Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Watch the 12th, 13th, and 14th rounds of The Thrilla. He virtually fought like a pressure fighter.
     
    ThatOne, Mar 22, 2026
    ThatOne, Mar 22, 2026
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  3. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I think he could have made that a bigger part of his game without sacrificing who he was. A well placed body punch now and then would have forced his opponents to guess more without him having to turn into Frazier. Terrell was probably the fight where he did the most body punching for natural reasons, but I would have liked to more. Strictly tactically speaking, not that I wish Terrell any more punishment than he already took in that fight;
     
    Last edited: Mar 23, 2026
    Bokaj, Mar 23, 2026
    Bokaj, Mar 23, 2026
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  4. ETM

    ETM I thought I did enough to win. Full Member

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    He had problems with his hands especially the 2nd phase of his career.

    Archie Moore had Ali when he was a young pro. He was going have Ali punch with more authority and not move around the ring nearly as much.
    It was Archie's contention that Ali wouldn not have suffered later in his life because he would have ended fights sooner. Not taking punishment that adds up.
    At the end of the day Ali knew what he was doing in the ring.
     
    ETM, Mar 25, 2026
    ETM, Mar 25, 2026
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