Remarkably, if a 20 yr old Clay cannot beat Tyson, a 30+ yr old Ali still has a good chance to get the job done. Tyson's nemesis was stiff opposition. When viciously opposed and unable to do as he wanted, Mike, God bless him, started to crumble and his stamina had a short half-life and his will a shorter one.
Contrast that to Clay/Ali, who had endless will, unbreakable aplomb and terrific reserves, and whose crowning glory was Tyson's very nemesis--stiff competition. In crisis is where Clay/Ali, especially Ali, was at his best, and Tyson at his worst. I try to factor that into my imaginings. Both fighters would probably be in crisis mode from early on. I think this is one of the better AT matchups. Pure excitement and pure question mark really.
Contrast that to Clay/Ali, who had endless will, unbreakable aplomb and terrific reserves, and whose crowning glory was Tyson's very nemesis--stiff competition. In crisis is where Clay/Ali, especially Ali, was at his best, and Tyson at his worst. I try to factor that into my imaginings. Both fighters would probably be in crisis mode from early on. I think this is one of the better AT matchups. Pure excitement and pure question mark really.
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