How would that go? Looking back at Ali's fights it almost looks like something out of a movie. His movement was so much more dynamic and he had the speed of a welterweight. Joshua just looks flatfooted in comparison and has no chin either.
shareBefore the 3 1/2 year exile, I don’t see anybody that could compete with Ali. The Ali that faced Cleveland “Big Cat” Williams and Ernie Terrell was just simply awesome. Even an older Ali should be able to take Joshua. An older Ali took bombs for 7 rounds against Foreman and handled all of Earnie Shavers’ best shots (though that was a tough fight for Ali), so I think he can handle Joshua’s best punch if he’s able to land it.
Not including Jack Johnson because from grainy footage it’s difficult to tell, but the only guy I can see giving Ali a hard time is Joshua’s compatriot, Tyson Fury. Though not the most aesthetically pleasing fighter style-wise, Fury would be a tough out for any boxer due to his awkwardness and ability to move his feet for a man his size.
How do you feel about Tyson Fury now? I think he looked much better than he actually was because Wilder was tailor made for him. He barely knows the boxing basics.
shareAbout the same…I wouldn’t rate Fury among the top 20 HWs of all time (upon further review I can see the Gypsy King somewhere between 20-50) but the dude is a stylistic nightmare for just about anybody. Boxing is matchups; some boxers of lesser skill and talent can give fits to certain boxers due to stylistic differences, mental makeup, mind games , etc. Someone like Ken Norton, despite being somewhat lumbering and less fundamentally sound, gave Ali fits over 3 fights with his strength and awkwardness.
Wilder got that far because of that devastating right hand and the dearth of elite, quality heavyweights. But he’s definitely a one trick pony — although it was a pretty good trick. I’d say based on his ability and late start in the game, he absolutely maxed out; but I think some of the big greats of the 70s, or even guys like Lennox Lewis or Larry Holmes (with that jab) would’ve handled Wilder quite easily .
Mythical matchups are sometimes interesting if a bit silly. Comparing heavyweights of different ears offers some challenges because dudes are just bigger; 220-230 lbs used to be a “big” heavyweight…Usyk is considered small but he’s now fights around 230.
Cheers…