One thing I do feel strongly about Ali’s opposition is that the guys he fought after his forced inactivity are in general a significantly better lot than those he fought in his first career.
i agree
outside of liston, ali did not have any elite opponents in the 60s.........
- williams was shot literally and figuratley
- folley was far past it
- terell is probably the best win outside of liston, terell was the WBA champ at his peak, terells probably top 50 heavyweight of all time
- chuvalo is good but nothing special
- patterson had a VERY bad back, so this takes off the quality of the win
- cooper is no world beater if he doesnt land that left hook
- 45 year old archie is probably alis best pre title oppponent
- jones,, lavorante, miteff, daniels these guys were good but not world beaters