Lewis vs. Ali - who would have won?

[Guest]

Okay, the old debate of Ali vs. Tyson always gets brought up, but what about Lewis vs. Ali?

I'd never suggest that Ali wasn't more skilled than Lewis, but... Lewis was a big, big guy. In his arguable peak he was averaging about 240lb, and although his chin takes some stick, it wasn't that bad, and Ali wasn't a particularly hard puncher. Sharper than Foreman, and arguably stronger, although Ali's the better boxer, could he do the job against Big Len?

[King Jaffe Joffer]

Ali would win on points, too quick

[JUYJUY]

Ali was slightly suspect to a left hook, something that Big Lenny lacked, the overhand right would be countered alday long with a quick one-two.. although Big Lenny wouldn't throw the overhand right unless he sensed Ali was off balance. I suppose Ali would move in and out against Big Lenny, catching him with some quick punches on the backfoot and capitalising on any mistakes Big Lenny makes. I can see Ali forcing Big Lenny to move forward more than he usually does, which would throw Big Lenny off. I don't know, I guess I'm just picking at straws really (whatever that means?). I don't know.

Ali was the greatest.


Thank you

JUYJUY

[JUYJUY]

Ali was the greatest.

And so was Chris Eubank

[Guest]

I often wonder, because we're in an age of Superheavies really... they might not be as skilled, but they're older, bigger and heavier than back in the day.

[JUYJUY]

I often wonder, because we're in an age of Superheavies really... they might not be as skilled, but they're older, bigger and heavier than back in the day.

Definately, you don't see any quality 'smaller' HW's anymore and haven't done since Tyson, Tucker and Douglas in the mid-80's. Where are the Patterson-types or the Frazier-types gone? Where are the Norton-like fighters? The quality is lacking at HW desperately.

[paul750]

there is always this debate of wheteher the guys of the past could beat the present day guys because of the weight difference, but people should bear in mind that Earnie Shavers weighed only around 208lbs and is considered one of the hardest punchers ever.

lewis always had trouble with quick fighters, he was in huge trouble against Shannon Briggs early on, but Briggs's problem was he was very easy to hit, Ali certainly wouldn't be as easy to hit as that, but he did lack the big time power, i would still favour lewis because of his physical attributes and weight, but it's still a hard one to call.

[elveiel]

I'd have to say Lennox Lewis.

[Martin (Top Knowledge)]

I think I would go with Lennox Lewis because of his jab, but mainly because Ali weighed around 14st where as Lewis weighed around 17 and 1/2st.

I think it would be a little unfair because Lewis would have such a massive height/weight/and reach advantage.

[elveiel]

I think I would go with Lennox Lewis because of his jab, but mainly because Ali weighed around 14st where as Lewis weighed around 17 and 1/2st.

I think it would be a little unfair because Lewis would have such a massive height/weight/and reach advantage.

Anyone as big as Ali should be able to punch hard enough to KO anyone(although that isnt true in Ali's case) so i dont see weight being a huge factor, its mainly because Ali didnt turn his weight over. When you watch a fighter like Ali punch and then Naz you can really see how P4P naz was a bigger puncher, its all about Ali style and not his weight.

Ali's only advantage is speed but Lewis works the long jab so well Ali would struggle, i just cant see Ali's style beating Lewis. Even if Lewis was out of shape i doubt Ali could punch hard enough to pull a Rahman/McCall off.