Was Ali a Runner?

[AKATheMack]

I just hear that phrase a lot on here when a boxer uses movement. Should he have stood and traded more?

[madsweeney]

Ali used movement as it should be, to dodge and create openings. He didn't run to stall and he wasn't afraid to engage.

[Disposable Arts]

Nope. People just say runner when they think a guy doesn't throw enough punches. Ali knew how to use movement which controlled his opponent, he had Cleveland Williams hypnotized.

[ИATAS]

He sure ran against George Foreman that's for sure.
sarcasm

[tanibanana]

avoid punches, Yes.. avoid to engage No.. there is a big difference..
Malignaggi for example, this guy does otherwise..

[jri9d0]

It kills me that people think that, I can’t understand why a heavyweight fighter that put combinations together combined with footwork and head movement can be labeled a runner. That was the sweet science in its purest form.

[tredh]

You gonna get what people feels is a honest answer but ask this same question about a boxer they hate and its a different answer even though both fighters use the similar movements.

The answer is no.

[madsweeney]

He sure ran against George Foreman that's for sure.
sarcasm

HaH, just rewatched that fight the other night (was on ESPN) and I don't blame him. Foreman's arms looked as big as Ali's thighs.

Thing that always surprises me is how easily Ali landed on George. First few rounds he was landing shots at will and George just stood there.

[AKATheMack]

For the record I think Ali moved beautifully. I just see a lot of fights where I think they used good movement as a tool and people criticize them. I enjoy watching boxers, it just seems as if many people don't.

[jkaisen41]

I just hear that phrase a lot on here when a boxer uses movement. Should he have stood and traded more?

I guess you talking about young Ali??? The old Ali traded enough and got hit enough as some can clearly see today...

Most who use this term runner are simply the ''boxing'' fans who wants to see guys beat their brains in, blood, guts etc.

I call them mover... and moving isn't some illegal... it isn't banned... it ain't a PED... if you fought Ali you know what he was doing and if you couldn't find a way to beat him it's not his fault. Ali defended with his legs... pretty much like Martinez does today... he isn't a fundamentally sound defender... he defends through movement. And that was the reason why Ali in his later career got hit with a ton of shots bevcause he feet couldn't bring him out of danger zone