Louis was also smart and determined. Do you realize that Norton solved Ali's style with simply his jab and persistence on his part? Louis on the other hand almost always performed much, much better in his rematches- the sign of an intelligent fighter who learns from his opponents.
Joe Louis to Foreman is a terrible comparison. They both had a hard jab that could seriously hurt you- that's about the only comparison you can make. Except even there Louis's jab was much more accurate as well as quicker.
70's Ali had an easy style for Louis. I can't see Louis losing to anyone who goes to the ropes. He was just too lethal a body puncher. You don't let Joe Louis corner you EVER! You either rush him, get passed that jab and take advantage of his less than stellar chin (which requires an iron chin and a lot of power) or you take advantage of his slow footwork and outmaneuver him.
Those were Joe Louis's two weaknesses. A less than great (but still solid) chin that wasn't reliable in a brawl, and somewhat plodding footwork. Losing to fighters who leaned back against the ropes and tried to catch punches off their gloves was never a weakness of his. He would demolish Ali's ribcage and midsection, mixing it up to his chin when given the smallest opportunity.
The Ali who beat Foreman gets stopped by a prime Brown Bomber within eight rounds. He only makes it that far because of his chin and heart.
Joe Louis to Foreman is a terrible comparison. They both had a hard jab that could seriously hurt you- that's about the only comparison you can make. Except even there Louis's jab was much more accurate as well as quicker.
70's Ali had an easy style for Louis. I can't see Louis losing to anyone who goes to the ropes. He was just too lethal a body puncher. You don't let Joe Louis corner you EVER! You either rush him, get passed that jab and take advantage of his less than stellar chin (which requires an iron chin and a lot of power) or you take advantage of his slow footwork and outmaneuver him.
Those were Joe Louis's two weaknesses. A less than great (but still solid) chin that wasn't reliable in a brawl, and somewhat plodding footwork. Losing to fighters who leaned back against the ropes and tried to catch punches off their gloves was never a weakness of his. He would demolish Ali's ribcage and midsection, mixing it up to his chin when given the smallest opportunity.
The Ali who beat Foreman gets stopped by a prime Brown Bomber within eight rounds. He only makes it that far because of his chin and heart.
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