How Much Did Ali copy from Sugar Ray Robinson?

Crease · Post by **Crease** » 06 Jun 2007, 10:13

How much did Ali copy from Sugar Ray Robinson's style?

Rocky Marciano commented:

"I never thought I'd see a heavyweight Sugar Ray Robinson. But hey, this kids close"...

KOJOE90 · Post by **KOJOE90** » 06 Jun 2007, 10:32

The young Ali spent many hours in Dundees Miami gym watching Luis Manuel Rodriguez train and spar etc. Both Dundee and Ali stated Luis Manuel Rodriguez was a big influence on him.

I Feel Fine · Post by **I Feel Fine** » 07 Jun 2007, 15:12

Willie Pastrano also, apparently.

I'm not sure what he specifically borrowed from Robinson. He seemed impressed by Robinson's ability to use speed and movement rather than fighting toe to toe. I think that was the basic thing he was impressed by. He had much of that as an amateur, before he met Pastrano and Rodriguez, though they would also have an impact on him.

Cap · Post by **Cap** » 09 Jun 2007, 18:12

Certainly didn't copy Robinson's defence.

Cap

I Feel Fine · Post by **I Feel Fine** » 09 Jun 2007, 19:41

They were different fighters but Ali always cited Robinson as a big influence. I would assume his emphasis on speed over power and on movement came from Robinson.