Quote Originally Posted by Lyle View Post
generalbulldog, I have been known to question the greatness of Ali, but I always give him respect. As for what I said about Chris Byrd....
Ali
Height: 6'3
Weight: 212
Reach: 80"

Wlad
Height: 6'7
Weight:243
Reach: 81"

4 inches, 30 pounds, 1" in reach...Ali never came across a fighter like that and any power Ali had came from his speed and accumulation of damage/fatigue on his opponent. Chris Byrd was a big stretch, but who has Wlad fought that was a skilled boxer, had little KO power, fast hands, and a very solid chin? Chris Byrd. Am I saying Ali would get his ass kicked like Chris Byrd ? no (I may have been 4 years ago, but not right now), I'm saying Ali would be undersized and out gunned...not that he wasn't used to that but he may have been used to that bigger person in the ring lacking in technical boxing skill and this would not be the case if they fought. However improbable it is to consider Wlad winning this fight it's not impossible.
Duly noted that Ali has never faced someone of Wlad's physical dimensions. But Ali was in a golden age of HWs and somehow he usually finds a way to win. I dont' think there is an debate that his resume is more impressive than Wlads?

In these mythical matchup let's say you put Wlad in 1967 against Ali without any of today's advancement in medical sports science and nutrition along with 15 round fights where he is known not to have great stamina, then really I don't fancy his chance against Ali. He may not even be 243. If you put an 25 year old Ali in 2006 against the 30 year old Wlad with all the nutritional supplements and advancement in medical sports science I see quite possibly him being even heavier (maybe around 220-225) and retaining all his quickness and speed, Ali still has to be the heavy favorite.

Wlad is very good for this era, but I just don't really fancy his chance against an Prime Foreman, ALi, etc.