Zaire, Foreman's (lack of) corner and strategy

No, he hit Ali with some good ones. Among them a good shot at the end of the 4th which probably gave him some confidence going into the 5th, where he unloaded most of what he had left. Yes, seeing Ali come back after that and landing some of the best shots of the fight makes Foreman seem stupid in hindsight, but at the time the commentator, Ali's corner and probably most of the stadium thought that Ali was hurt, so one can see why George just din't take a step back and say "nah, don't want to tire myself out you know".

He had Ali in what seemed like a very good spot after Ali had gained more and more control over the previous three rounds, so can't really blame him for going for it.

 

Once again hindsight comes to the fore here but when you look at both men simply as fighters and the tools they possess, what did George have over Ali? Power? Well we’re struggling now but in just about every other aspect Ali wins, there might have been other tactics the corner could have suggested to George but really Ali had it over him.
I’m Ali’s biggest fan but I thought he was in big trouble for this one, but really I shouldn’t have been surprised….with hindsight!

 

God I wish people would actually watch the fight, you’re repeating all the things you were taught to say and ignoring your own eyes- telling of the times.

 

Hi Buddy.
You make some salient observations, much of which I agree with, some previous posters have been of the opinion the fight would not have been a walkover for Foreman, and that there was quite a body of fight fans that thought Ali could pull it off, not the way I remember the lead up, of course there were some sage pundits who picked Ali to overcome George, but to my memory not that many, the prevailing thought process was that, not only would Ali get beat, but there were serious concerns for his well being, a feeling of dread was a forbearance leading up to the fight, many forecasting a frightful beating coming Ali,s way, side note : I saw the fight on CCTV, in a cinema at Leicester square in the west end of London, at about 3am, for the first 3/4 rounds most of the people was looking through their fingers, and praying that Ali would not be too seriously hurt, well we all know what happened, the Greatest proved most of us wrong, like he did in 64.
stay safe Bokaj.

 

Very fair post mate.

 

Agree. The last time I watched it I thought that Ali found Foreman more of a problem in the middle of the ring than he did on the inside. On the outside GF wasn't fast, but he did throw hard and although Ali was beating him to the punch, GF was more dangerous there than on the inside. On the inside, when Ali was close to the ropes, GF stood with his feet parallel, his balance was not good and he threw wide punches to Ali's sides. When Ali wanted to control him or move him he only had to push or pull him because of where his feet were. GF has a good base to his left and right, but nothing behind him or in front. GF also did not throw short punches to Ali's body. He just threw wide hard punches and when they didn't get there, he just tried to throw them harder. GF wasn't effective on the inside and Ali took advantage.

 

Saw an interview w/ Archie Moore about it. He said he knew what Ali was doing to George in there. And gave advice about those tactics. And he also said somebody was not listening to his instructions--either Saddler not telling George or George not listening.

Very hard to believe a guy like Archie Moore could not see what was transpiring. But like all corners---somebody has to listen and follow instructions.

 

Res ipsa loquitur:

"Hitting Ali in the body or on the arms was like hitting a piece of cement."

Ken Norton

 

It’d be great to read those picks for Ali first hand and the reasonings given if they were included. Unlikely that anyone forecast the fight playing out as it did.

Also I don’t know if anyone knew the ring would be as small as it was - didn’t Zack Clayton claim it to be 16 feet? That in itself would’ve caused concern re Ali’s chances but then the ropes were loose also……

 

That’s a great, unforgettable quote and terrific compliment, particularly from such a straight shooter as Norton. Ali was extremely strong in the core.

After being 212 lbs for Norton and then Frazier, Ali’s musculature was more notable in Zaire also, including the chest - focus on strength training and manhandling George at every opportunity was def. part of the plan imo.

Ali was a very toned 216 1/2 lbs as per the weigh in and maybe several pounds heavier by fight time - 220 lbs perhaps.

Everything Ali did - training, weight target and strategy was 100% purposed and exactly customised for the opponent at hand. That is supreme preparation and optimal readiness.

 

Yes. Zack Clayton couldn't believe Ali agreed to fight Foreman in a phone booth. It was supposed to be nineteen feet.

 

If I had been in George's corner I'd have been thrilled to see Ali laying on the ropes and Foreman pounding him, and today people would be talking about why I didn't see what was happening. I do believe that when it became apparent what was happening Foreman was already gassing. I remember commentary from Frazier after the 5th round where he said, George is fightin foolish.

 

I'm trying to remember, but wasn't it also Frazier saying how silly Ali was for going on the ropes early?