Ali v Foreman II

[Ezzard]

In a way I think Ali was lucky to get to face two great HWs who were made to order for him in Liston and Foreman.

Liston was old by the time they fought and as someone pointed out he had fought very few competitive rounds in the years running up to the fights wth Clay/Ali.

Foreman as a younger man was a fearsome puncher (probably the hardest punching champion of all-time) but couldn't take Ali out, became weary from the sharp counters he was taking and was then KO'd.

If they'd have fought again, say in 76-77, after the 'Thrilla' what would have happened? Ali could still soak up a shot like nobody else but he was not the same fighter. Could he have beaten George again?

[Nile4000]

In a way I think Ali was lucky to get to face two great HWs who were made to order for him in Liston and Foreman.

Liston was old by the time they fought and as someone pointed out he had fought very few competitive rounds in the years running up to the fights wth Clay/Ali.

Foreman as a younger man was a fearsome puncher (probably the hardest punching champion of all-time) but couldn't take Ali out, became weary from the sharp counters he was taking and was then KO'd.

If they'd have fought again, say in 76-77, after the 'Thrilla' what would have happened? Ali could still soak up a shot like nobody else but he was not the same fighter. Could he have beaten George again?

Depends on where George's head at.With Ali's deteriorating condition, it's possible that Foreman could stop him.However, Ali may eke out a surprising decision.

[tagjohnson]

I've always thought it unfair and somewhat mysterious (did Ali not want to fight him again?)that George didn't get a chance to retake the title from Ali.

[Syntax Error]

Ali would have won a close 15 rd decision in 1976 or 1977.

Foreman could not handle Ali's mind games.

[BoxBuzz]

I think the Jimmy Young fight sort of confirms the style that gave Foreman the most trouble. Ali wins the second won unless George lets go of a lucky one. No one had a better punchers chance than George. But no one had a better Chin than Ali.

[iceman21287]

I've always thought it unfair and somewhat mysterious (did Ali not want to fight him again?)that George didn't get a chance to retake the title from Ali.

From what I have heard, Foreman's fight with Jimmy Young was leading up to a rematch with Ali. Of course, that didn't turn out too well for George, and after that he didn't fight for 10 years.

I think Foreman would have won a rematch if they fought in 1977. Foreman learned enough from his first fight with Ali to know that he can't run in and try to KO him, so he would be able to last 15 rounds. Ali was never really the same after the Foreman fight. Remember he was down on the scorecards to Ron Lyle in the 11th when he TKO'd him...and that was in 1975. The third Frazier fight took even more out of him. He was never the same fighter after that, and really shouldn't have even fought after 1976. Kenny Norton in the opinions of many defeated Ali in that third fight in 1976. I really think that by 1977, Ali was ripe for the picking for any top 5 heavyweight.

[Ezzard]

I've always thought it unfair and somewhat mysterious (did Ali not want to fight him again?)that George didn't get a chance to retake the title from Ali.

From what I have heard, Foreman's fight with Jimmy Young was leading up to a rematch with Ali. Of course, that didn't turn out too well for George, and after that he didn't fight for 10 years.

I think Foreman would have won a rematch if they fought in 1977. Foreman learned enough from his first fight with Ali to know that he can't run in and try to KO him, so he would be able to last 15 rounds. Ali was never really the same after the Foreman fight. Remember he was down on the scorecards to Ron Lyle in the 11th when he TKO'd him...and that was in 1975. The third Frazier fight took even more out of him. He was never the same fighter after that, and really shouldn't have even fought after 1976. Kenny Norton in the opinions of many defeated Ali in that third fight in 1976. I really think that by 1977, Ali was ripe for the picking for any top 5 heavyweight.

I rarely go against Ali but I think you're right Iceman. Post thrilla (76-77) Ali's movement was limited. He relied more and more on stifling opponents work and the fact that his chin could handle whatever did manage to get through. George would not have made the same mistake again and would have been ready for Ali. I think Ali would have lost the rematch at this time although you can never be sure about the man.