Why did Ali stylistically struggle with Frazier but not Patterson?

[HOUDINI563]

Ali was a very entertaining guy, but not a great boxer, and in reality had 7-8 more losses than his record states and lost 3-0, very clearly to Norton. His best win is over Foreman, but Foreman had zero boxing ability, no speed, and just power, so style wise, suited Ali down to the ground. I see Ali as being on the Helenius level. Cash in

LOL. Ali is pretty much universally rated the greatest heavyweight champion. His high level of competition is one major reason. He also had a unique sent of attributes, he was a very quick “fancy Dan” boxer with the toughness of a slugger.

[MikeyMike100]

Fraizer had more Size and power. Especially in the left hook. Superior body attack and ring cutting off ability too

[CaptainAmerican]

Muhammad Ali's stylistic difficulties with Joe Frazier as opposed to Floyd Patterson were due to several reasons. Frazier's relentless pressure, crushing left hook, and ring-cutting ability presented special problems for Ali. Frazier's aggressive, swarm style made Ali fight at a pace which ruined his rhythm and prevented him from using his speed and footwork to his advantage.

Conversely, Patterson, though a quick and skilled fighter, lacked the pressure and power of Frazier. Patterson's fighting style was better adapted to Ali's advantage, which enabled Ali to dictate the distance and utilize his longer reach and speed to outbox Patterson. Moreover, Patterson was well beyond his prime and suffering from back problems during his bouts against Ali, which added to his limitation2.

All in all, Frazier's sheer pressure and force were instrumental to his victory over Ali, while Patterson's type and physical form gave Ali room to excel where those battles were concerned.