What if: Ali-Frazier I in 1969

[Dempsey-Louis]

What if Ali-Frazier met in 1969, what would have been the outcome?

The rules:

first we assume the draft is never an issue and Ali continues to fight unabridged trough '67 and '68 with no lay-off;

then we assume Frazier the up and comer is ready for his shot after the second Bonavena fight (December '68)

the two are scheduled to meet in the summer of '69.

Does this fight play out differently than the '71 fight?

[OctoberRed]

What if Ali-Frazier met in 1969, what would have been the outcome?

The rules:

first we assume the draft is never an issue and Ali continues to fight unabridged trough '67 and '68 with no lay-off;

then we assume Frazier the up and comer is ready for his shot after the second Bonavena fight (December '68)

the two are scheduled to meet in the summer of '69.

Does this fight play out differently than the '71 fight?

I still think Frazier could have beat him even then. I think he was so riled up by the trash talking and antics, it was his night.

[uncle ben]

I still think Frazier could have beat him even then. I think he was so riled up by the trash talking and antics, it was his night.

Yeah, Frazier was a man possessed that night. I don't think Frazier ever would've been an easy opponent for Ali. George Chuvalo was the closest thing to Frazier he fought and Chuvalo wasn't exactly an easy win. Frazier always would've been a thorn in Ali's side.

[phallus]

I still think Frazier could have beat him even then. I think he was so riled up by the trash talking and antics, it was his night.

Yeah, Frazier was a man possessed that night. I don't think Frazier ever would've been an easy opponent for Ali. George Chuvalo was the closest thing to Frazier he fought and Chuvalo wasn't exactly an easy win. Frazier always would've been a thorn in Ali's side.

both ali and frazier were just past their primes in '71, if they would have fought in 69 instead it would have been a better fight but i think would have had the same outcome. Frazier had the right style to beat ali, and ali's trash talking and calling frazier a gorilla just made him hungrier to beat ali

[JAB5239]

both ali and frazier were just past their primes in '71, if they would have fought in 69 instead it would have been a better fight but i think would have had the same outcome. Frazier had the right style to beat ali, and ali's trash talking and calling frazier a gorilla just made him hungrier to beat ali

Yet at that time both were still friends and there may not have been the animosity because Ali would have never have been stripped of his title.

I do agree it's still a great fight and Frazier would always give him trouble.

[Dempsey-Louis]

The way I played the hypothetical out in my mind . . .

this would be the point (by '69) where an undefeated Ali would have become distracted and would underestimate a fired-up Frazier. Frazier UD

Ali would be better prepared for the rematch in '70 and would take back the title by UD.

Great boxers vs. great ****ers: the boxers usually have a better day the second time out. E.g. Greb-Tunney; Leonard-Duran; Pep-Saddler; almost all of Sugar Ray Robinson's middleweight career.

[HOUDINI563]

At one time I would have picked Frazier but after years of watching all three bouts Joe could not handle well a very mobile Ali. Ali in his prime had no need to languish along the ropes. Ali wins a comfortable 15 round decision. Joe certainly has his moments but Ali scores much more often and Joe finds prime Ali a tough target.

[Dempsey-Louis]

At one time I would have picked Frazier but after years of watching all three bouts Joe could not handle well a very mobile Ali. Ali in his prime had no need to languish along the ropes. Ali wins a comfortable 15 round decision. Joe certainly has his moments but Ali scores much more often and Joe finds prime Ali a tough target.

A mobile Ali beats Frazier, I agree with you but with a but . . .

I thought maybe by '69 a distracted Ali (for lack of serious competition) would come into the first Frazier fight ('69 version) physically and mentally unprepared (as we know he would do later in his career) and Frazier would take advantage.

Then surprised and humiliated, Ali in the rematch, would be ready, and for the reasons you stated would take back the title via UD.

. . . and then never fight Frazier again.

[HOUDINI563]

Possibly that scenario could have panned out. By 69 an overconfident Ali could have been caught.

[KOComplaints]

I believe Ali would beat Frazier in a close UD. Ali lost his legs in exile, those legs would give Frazier hell. BUT, I still for some reason,in my head I see Frazier knock Ali down in this fight.

But Ali wins ultimately in a tough fight.

From what I have heard,Ali before exile was a gym rat,after the exile he appearently didn't train as hard. Larry Holmes in an interview with him,Ali,Norton and Frazier said Ali didn't train seriously for Foreman which shocked hte hell out of me