Muhammed Ali vs Jack Johnson?

[Brunswick Assassin]

Ali would KO Jack Johnson in seventh or eighth! Johnson came from an era where there was constant clinching and his chin was shaky whereas Ali had one of the best chins ever and came from one of the best Heavyweight eras ever! Johnson came up agianst 'Big White Hopes' who were just that 'Big Lumberjacks'! Take nothing away from Johnson he had more natural ability than any other pre-World War II fighter! Two very different fighters from two very different eras!

[QueensburyRules]

Who would win this one? This would be a great fight.

- -Heh, heh, we still got some diehards remaining from this thread.

80% chance this won't be a great fight as both fighters notoriously had spells where they entered the ring not to fight but to stink.

Laughable that Ketchell couldn't KD Ali 1.0 when 190 lb Banks and 170 lb Cooper did.

Never get a timeline out of these ninnies either. Clearly the best JJ beats the worst Ali and vice versa.

I pick the Terrell Ali where he had the motivation and threat in front of him and took the fight to Ernie and the Jeffries JJ where even the village idiot could see a fighter with 6 yrs rust training on a starvation diet in the artificial quest to lose 100lbs to put him at his prime fighting weight ain't gonna win this fight.

Even Sully picked JJ, it was that easy.

[Dr. Z]

Who would win this one? This would be a great fight.

More like a great promotion. Have you see Johnson's best stuff on film? IMO, he's short with short arms, and a better in-fighter than out fighter.

Johnson's problem is he doesn't hit hard enough to bother Ali. Not on Chuvalo's level at least.

Ali lands all day from the outside and owns the quicker feet.

Johnson himself fought safety first too often. Ali easy UD

[billeau2]

Ali by knockout, Ali was technically superior to Johnson. Johnson was in an era of little technical know how, I give props to him for being one of the first "good" boxers but Ali would tear him to shreds.

That is a myth. I challenge you to do the following. I will even sweeten the challenge... don't use Ali for the following because Ali did not depend on technical points as a whole... as compared to a fighter like... On lets say, Spinks, or Holyfield who could do it all in the ring. heck choose who you like. To make it interesting? I might use the Michael Moore Holly fight and I will give you BOTH of them!! And they still cannot do half the things in the ring Johnson could do.

Now watch tape carefully.

Make a list of all the things you see Johnson able to do:

1) Parry, slip, create distance, grapple, fight inside, throw combos, footwork, feint, set traps, use a lead and a jab, general punch selection, etc...fight going backwards, etc.

2) Do the same for a technically accoplished fighter from Ali's time, or after... Use any fighter you like.

If you are doing it right? you should have a very big and a relative small list.

[billeau2]

Jack Johnsons defensive abilities was marvelous, and I suspect that his style of fighting flatfooted and passive would force Muhammad Ali to take the initiative. I guess this would put Ali at a disadvantage, but I still see him defeating Johnson.

Considering Alis superior speed and blitzing way of attacking his foe, I believe Johnson would be overwhelmed and unable to counter and tie up Ali. Further, his power would pose no threat to Ali, and I have a feeling his chin would be in trouble. I figure Ali would force a late stoppage.

Muhammad Ali by tko10.

what the f u c? Did I slip dimensions? will I see blimps for air travel out my window because the hindenburg never happened? Will I hear my wife and see another wife that could have been?

Cause your scaring me dude... JOHNSON FLAT FOOTED!

[billeau2]

Well if we could somehow get a consistent set of rules that allowed for both men equal footing so to speak...but the gloves used could be a problem. In Johnson's time force was generated different, relying more on structure and accuracy. Ali was of course a very accurate puncher, and had natural speed over JJ.

Ali's reach might be the deciding factor, as he could keep Johnson away. JJ can't really catch ali because he would have to fight off his back foot against Ali to not get caught. But JJ was unnaturally strong at his best...Just not as strong as Foreman lol.

Ali probably wins this.

[The Old LefHook]

All of Johnny's techniques are going to be nullified by Clay's speed. Clay does not stand around like Johnny wants. It is not even a close fight but a slaughter.

[HOUDINI563]

Actually Johnson was the technically superior fighter. Ali had that speed, reflexes but in terms of the boxing skills that define boxing skills....blocking, feinting, infighting, positioning its all Johnson.

Johnson loved fighting close and smothering opponents. Many watch Johnson and say he is holding. He is actually controlling his opponents. Blocking and parrying blows via taps/pressing his opponents elbows deadening the blows.

It goes 15 rounds with Ali’s speed winning the day 9-6 in rounds. Ali stays at distance not allowing Johnson to establish his inside game.

[The Old LefHook]

Since they must fight by the older standards as per custom, factors like sluggishness of the canvas padding and ring size become major concerns. In a sand pit Johnny might have a chance against Clay, or in a 12x12 ring with quilted padding. On a normal day Johnny is reduced to winning by lucky punch against one of the best chins in history.

[cfang]

Ali on pts but johnson is being totally underated here. He was a truly great fighter with brilliant defensive skills who often fought well within himself and was no doubt in second gear a lot. He was also very good and crafty inside where ali was at his weakest. I see ali winning on pts but not without losing some rounds and suffering a bit of damage too.