30th October 1974 - What if the Rumble in the Jungle took place in NYC or LV instead of Kinshasa, Zaire ?

Question

What do you think the result of this great fight would of been if it took place in the Garden or Ceasers Palace, I think it would of been different away from the Heat, the Humidity and the Hostile crowd but im interested to see what everyone else thinks ?

Frank P - I'm a massive Foreman fan but dont get me wrong Muhammed Ali is still the greatest Heavyweight of all time i just wanted to get peoples points of view on this question, I just think everything that happened played into Ali's hands that night, Ali's mind games seemed to win him the day, he had Big George that fired up wanting to knock his head off before the starting bell he came out like a bear with a sore head, i think the crowd really got to him, i just thought to myself i wonder if Foreman would of approached the fight differently if he wasnt that wound up and therefore lasted longer, another big factor was the humidity George threw that many big shots the Lactic acid must have been making every muscle in his body stiff and trying to catch his breath must off been so difficult after the first couple of rounds. I would of just loved to of seen a rematch to this fight fought in the garden or something to answer me these questions to whether it would of been a different fight

Answer 1

Frank, the same result plus or minus 2 rounds. I think of it this way Ali would be stronger with less heat and humidity. Another point the canvas got soft because they laid it in the afternoon heat. If fighting in Vegas or NYC does Ali benefit from a faster track? (might have never seen the rope a dope)Remember he was in top condition for that fight. Wanted that title back real bad.

Answer 2

If only we knew then what we know now! Most referees would not allow "rope a dope" today to the extent it was used during Ali's reign. With the rope a dope, Ali never appeared hurt inthe short term, but boy did it kick his butt in the long term. Ali extended his career with this tactic, didn't he? If one takes the position that the referee would call the fight today (for rope a dope), or at least give a standing 8, then Foreman would have a better chance. Boxing has really softened, and Ali's style may not work in our safety conscience society.

Answer 3

When I watch the tape, I continue to marvel at how big Ali was. He didn't give up much height/weight to George at all.

You sound like a Foreman fan... I just don't think George trained that well, evidenced by his horrible performances after 8 rounds....

No matter where they fought, the crowd would be for Ali. George's psyche would be damaged no matter where. Style makes the fight, and I think Ali wins 8 out of 10 times, anywhere.

Answer 4

I think the same result would of happend.. Ali never really got hit with a clean foreman shot...he timed them all out ....It was easy for him to see them comin because big george for the most part threw super wide round house punches

Answer 5

same result, as far as foreman not being in top shape don`t worry he was but he used so much energy to score a ko that he lacked stamina and never figured he needed to pace himself and that proved his downfall, the second phase of his career in his 40`s he was a much more relaxed and patient fighter if he applied that style in his fight with ali he might have had a shot at a late ko as ali was also wearing out in that african heat but as big a foreman fan as i was i think ali still would have won.

Answer 6

He would have still done the rope a dope and knocked George out. Ali was the greatest fighter of all tiiiiiiimme! But I could probably kick his butt. At least now I could.

Rich

Answer 7

THEN IT WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN THE RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE.

IT WOULD'VE BEEN A TOTALLY DIFFERENT FIGHT.