Was Ali that great?

[JakeTheBoxer]

It is about his resume and speed, nut about his style.

His resume is insane, the best heavyweight ever.

[Dr. Z]

I’m watching some classic boxing during this extended stay-at-home due to the coronavirus pandemic. I’ve been watching a bunch of Ali and Foreman fights (btw Foreman-Young fight was pretty entertaining) and I’m kinda underwhelmed by some of Ali’s performances.

I’ve watched the Foreman, Frasier III, Chuvalo, Bonavena and Mac Foster fights. He let Bonavena work his way inside Of him and land a lot of clean solid shots. Up until the KO in the 15th round the fight was almost dead even.


From watching this fight (and others) its evident to me that Ali never really had an inside fight game except trying up and rope-a-doping his opponents.

Granted, these fights were after Ali’s 3 plus year hiatus and he wasn’t the same fights he was once but still he wasn’t old and too shop worn.

As I watch these fights his performances were not as great as his mythical status would indicate.

What am I missing?

Yes, he was great and beat the best competition. His toughness, ability to turn it on when needed, boxing IQ, an heart complimented his speed, and skills.

However he was far from complete, and IMO would have issues with other fighters who didn't gas, had skills and can punch.

[HOUDINI563]

Ali is that great because he was not just the fastest, fancy Dan, boxer ever in the heavyweight division but he was also among the toughest. A rare combination.