If Ali had won his 1st match vs Frazier, how would his legend change? What would have happened against Foreman

Answer 1

What made Ali so great was his defiance in the face of destruction. Some of what solidified Ali's legend wasn't that he was unbeatable. But when he was beat, he came back stronger, louder, with his chin up, and a mouth full of smack talk.

When Frazier beat Ali, it was a big deal. When Frazier was put down by Foreman, it suggested that if Frazier could beat Ali, and Foreman beat Frazier, than, naturally, Ali would only be devestated by Foreman. After all, Frazier's advantage over Ali was his heavy handedness, and Foreman's hands were even heavier.

In the end, Foreman was trounced by Ali, after Foreman's heavy hands swung to exhaustion. It was like Rocky versus Clubber Lang. But that doesn't answer the question.

If the only adjustment to the Ali-legend is the added defeat of Frazier, than Ali may have to be considered a step ahead of Joe Louis, but I doubt his legend would be as powerful. The charm isn't just the renowned Ali-charisma, it's that charisma that refuses to lay down, no matter how stacked against him. He even took on the U.S. government, refusing to accept the draft.

I think, however, if Ali never saw his victorious opponent fall to the crushing blows of Foreman, Ali would not have been prepared for the Foreman style. In other words, Ali would have gotten crushed....maybe...

Answer 2

My guess is Ali's legend would have changed a little bit. Most people consider Joe Louis to have been the greatest heavyweight ever, followed by Muhammad Ali. However, had he beaten Joe Frazier, many of those critics may have considered Ali to be the greatest ever. But to the common man, Ali's legend would not have changed much, only because his legend comes moreso from the fact that he beat Liston and Foreman, and all that he's done outside of the boxing ring.

It's so crazy to think that both Ali and Frazier were both in their prime during their first fight. Through all the abuse that Frazier took from Ali (and I'm glad that they made up in the end), that's one thing that no one can ever take from Frazier that he beat Ali prime for prime.

Answer 3

I don't think it would have changed much. There wouldn't have been as much emphasis put on the rematches with Frazier. Ali's legend was cemented with his defiance of the draft and his vindication through the Supreme court. After his loss to Frazier if you look at his fight schedule it was brutal. He was trying to hustle to get that rematch with Frazier which didn't happen until Frazier had lost the title to Foreman. I think Foreman would have definitely got his shot at Ali. Ali would have beaten him with the same strategy. Foreman wasn't as smart and as mature as he was when he came back. I'll say this out pure speculation He wouldn't have fought as many fights as he did after his comeback and may not have the health problems he has now.

Answer 4

Good question, it might have changed the landscape of boxing. He might even have given George a rematch because between the time he lost to Frazier and the Foreman match, he fought a total of 12 fights. He would have been fresher and stronger and more capable of winning the first fight, going on to defend the title and giving George the rematch he so sorely wanted. He would have won the first fight, the second fight might have been different. I think Ali would have won but like the first it would have been a war, with Ali winning by decision.

Answer 5

In boxing, styles make matches. As you know Forman made mince meat of Joe Frazier and could do so every day of the week. But Frazier proved to be very difficult for Ali. Yet Ali suckered Forman and whipped his a s s. Again we're talking about boxing styles.

Answer 6

No we are not just talking about styles. In the 3 and half yr illegal layoff that Ali had to unjustly suffer through, how much better his ring record would have been. He could have beaten Frazier and Foreman and broke Rocco's record and also some of your hearts.

Someone said that they did not want to think this scenario through well that sounds just like the Bush administration as it relates to Iraq.

Answer 7

i am sorry, but arguably the main reason ali lost "superfight 1" was bec that was, like, only the 3rd fight of his comeback. he really wasn't sufficiently in good enough shape to fight someone of smokin joe's caliber, he missed so many punches in that 1st fight that made quite a difference. it still would've been brutal on both men yet they needed each other for their legacies...speaking of which, if ali had won, the landscape would've changed immensely! frazier would never have risen to the heights he did, that fight pretty much elevated him farther in people's estimation that he would've ever risen w/o it. then, by big george beating frazier that made him, in turn, setting the stage for one of the greatest comebacks in the history of boxing. ali's return wouldn't have had nearly the social, dramatic, and emotional impact it did had ali beaten frazier the first time.

Answer 8

In that case I don't think that Foreman would have won the title the first time.Because when Foreman faced Ali he went to the canvas.

Answer 9

Very good question. I think Ali being able to survive big ups and downs in his career added to his legend.
I think Ali would have then lost to Foreman because he would have his guard down.

Answer 10

Ali was good, sure, and he did beat Foreman....yet he didn't beat him with boxing skills....with a toe to toe brawl....he beat him a mind game or trickery....some will call it brains....And some call it the greatest of his victories. I don't think so.....i was not a classic example of boxing...it was taking a punishment for the sake of tiring your opponent out. Who does that? No Champion in the history of the sport would ever do that? It borders on cheating or cowardice I think....you can't say he beat him with a left or an uppercut with speed....all boxing skills, he beat him by getting beat....thats not real boxing.