It would be a classic fight. To me it's a 50/50 pickem fight. Ali's advantages were speed and defense. Louis's advantages were power and intangibles. My final prediction is Ali by TKO or UD.
If you're on about prime Ali, no one can touch prime Ali.
1970's Ali will have more trouble but should be able to get a late TKO.
I don't want to disrespect Joe Louis, but I agree with this.
ali.
louis was an athletic stiff. kinda like oscar.
ali was a pure dynamic athlete with fast twitch muscle fibers.
their boxing skills are on par louis was probably more technically sound but ali's speed and athleticism would give him a clear decision victory.