John Fredrick Parker
Donor
Like it says on the tin. If Ali isn't stripped of his heavyweight champion title, how long does he hold it, before he's defeated or retires? How is boxing subsequently affected?
That's interesting; might it even be that TTL, Joe Louis is regarded by modern consensus as the greatest boxer ever? (I suppose that would depend on how the numbers at the end of Ali's career TTL stack up. Is it conceivable he doesn't manage 25 title defenses before retiring or losing?)The mythos of Ali is radically changed. Regardless if he can technically have a more successful career than IOTL his cultural impact will be lessened.
He'll still be considered one of the best but his impact as a cultural/political icon will be lessened I believe.
But would Ali even stay in boxing that long TTL? If he has an interrupted reign as heavyweight champion, isn't he more likely to decide to retire by 30 (which would mean his last fight wouldn't be after 71)? If he wants to beat Louis' record for most title defenses, that would give him plenty of time.
That is true; I had thought it had something to do with wanting to prove his greatness without question, but more likely it was just loving the limelight, as you say.Ali loved the limelight. Remember, in OTL he was attempting comebacks into the 1980's when he was pushing 40.
So not even young Frazier will be a match for him?Prime, 1960's Ali mowed over the opposition to such an absurd extent that the fights became more like parties for him and his entourage.