Ali was better than Holmes. Quicker hand speed, equivilant jab, better movement, better athleticisim. Holmes went to the body better, and threw a better right uppercut, but other than that, ali was better. Ali also did have what it took to hurt Holmes. Holmes was vulnerable to the straight right cross, and that's the type of punch that hurt Holmes on multiple occasions. Ali would stun Holmes with that shot.
Prime vs. Prime Ali takes a clear UD to me and it's really not that close. Mid to late 70's Ali obviously has a tougher time for sure
Ali from 65 to 67 takes a win over Holmes by wide UD. Faster, tougher, not as beaten down, Holmes wouldn't be able to deal with Muhammad, even though his jab was stronger, not as fast as Ali's.
The Ali from 1964-67 would beat Holmes on speed by about four points. Even the 1972-74 incarnation of Muhammad (if in top shape) would edge out a prime Easton Assassin,in my opinion. Ali was still a little faster out of the two at this point of his career and his right hand would be a major contributory factor. A lot make an issue about Ken Norton pushing the best seventies Ali (their second bout) extremely close but Ken posed a different problem to Ali than Holmes would. Larry was n't a pressure fighter like Norton was.
Ali was more versatile and able to adapt to an opponents style, He fought a prime Norton, Holmes an old version of Norton and all were close. I am not sure Holmes gets past the Foreman Ali fought in fact I would pick that Foreman. Also the Frazier that Ali fought beat Holmes. Ali beats ****ey(but would be more susceptible to the hook but his speed a factor) and an old Ali beat Shavers without hitting the deck. I just think Ali was better overall and does not have too much trouble with Holmes jab or right hand but Ali's finds a home for his right hands
For what it's worth, Norton said Ali "definitely" was stronger than Holmes. http://www.thesweetscience.com/arti...h-ken-norton-norton-speaks-on-fights-with-ali
I usually find myself agreeing with you, Seamus, but I think Holmes would be beat from the outside. Ali is just more fluid, and Holmes a tiny bit mechanical and methodical. I don't think Ali loses in a battle of jabs either, and he might have startling success with the lead right. I also think Ali is cooler under pressure. What Holmes has on him is workrate and punching power. I don't think it's enough. Holmes doesn't bring enough pressure and discomfort since he fights at a range Ali favors. This is the big difference between him and Norton, and honestly, I think the younger Ali does far better with Norton anyway. Ali, in a 9-6 type affaire.
This so much quicker stuff is nonsense .. Ali's speed was a matter of over all movement and body speed .. Floyd Patterson had faster hands .. Gene Tunney may have had as well .. for pure hand speed Holmes is right with him. straight up jabs I'd clearly favor Holmes as a better offensive weapon and Ken Norton gave Ali fits three times because he used his own excellent jab off an 80" reach .. both had excellent chins. Holmes had slightly better power. Both had excellent hearts and stamina. Ali was physically stronger by a bit ... this is an incredibly tough fight to call .. either way it's razor close.
Mid to late 60s Ali would box rings around prime Holmes. That Ali had faster hands and feet than Holmes.
i totally agree with you ....but ali had the better straight right hand / and he also could throw a nice left uppercut(check ali/quarry2 for that)