How Ali Dismantled Southpaws - Fight & Technique Breakdown

Back in the 60s, the world had never seen a fighter quite like Muhammad Ali, and there hasn’t been one since. This channel has covered his unique style many times before, but this time we are going to look at the unusual way that Ali fought southpaws. Ali only fought two southpaws as a pro, as they were much rarer at the time. Just like always, Ali broke with convention, blending his natural talent and creativity to devise an innovative way of fighting that was all his own. How he handled these two opponents can provide a fascinating look into some alternatives for how to fight southpaws or how to fight as a southpaw for anyone with the reflexes to pull it off.
Aggressive Defense: www.modernmartialartist.com/do...
Footwork Wins Fights: www.modernmartialartist.com/do...
Mortal Weapons The Fight Comic: www.amazon.com/Mortal-Weapons...
Power of the Pros: www.modernmartialartist.com/do...
Patreon: / modernmartialartist

[@TheModernMartialArtist]

Aggressive Defense: www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/head-movement-blocks-counters/ Footwork Wins Fights: www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/footwork-wins-fights/ Mortal Weapons The Fight Comic: www.amazon.com/Mortal-Weapons-David-Christian-ebook/dp/B07T4X4W1K/ Principles of Power: www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/power-of-the-pros/ Patreon: www.patreon.com/modernmartialartist

[@palerider1979]

The Modern Martial Artist great breakdown of the fight against southpaws absolute clinic bruv keep it up!

[@jojonesjojo8919]

Another great video! Keep up the good work. You should do rocky balboa next. He had a career spanning decades.

[@davidfernandez8515]

Hi, I only can find footwork win fights in Amazon. Are the other ones not in there?

[@kertaspaper94]

I have an idea for your next videos. Find some of the most famous first loss of famous fighters, and analyze those. Not necessarily boxers, any style can do.

[@dma1176]

Can you break down evander holyfield's tactics iv been trying but he's to different you know. It would amazing if you did do a video of him. Please and thank you.

[@societaldust2983]

"Risky headmovement" *ali dodges 21 punches in 10 seconds*

[@sanusisikiru2418]

Absolutely legendary!!!

[@cygnusprime6728]

It WAS risky. If you lean back and get hit its almost certain you will be dropped because you're off balance. But he was so skilled he made it work

[@davidwalter2002]

@@cygnusprime6728 If you break the rules and it works, you're a genius. And Ali was definitely a genius in the ring. I agree it's risky, but for Ali, it was a calculated risk. He was always quick to analyze what his opponent was doing and adjust accordingly. Along with his superior reflexes and peripheral vision (because you can see him noticing what's coming in this video), he could take that risk more often than an average boxer. He was definitely one of a kind.

[@jayedwards1205]

That’s because Ali didn’t know how to block punches ... a huge flaw...he pulled his head back or , later, lay on the ropes

[@davidwalter2002]

@@jayedwards1205 It's only a flaw if it doesn't work.

[@dannysart3990]

Ali was poetry in motion. Just beautiful.

[@decidous]

@Ryan M Let people have their opinions

[@BKC-mv6hs]

Whats her name? Whats her name?

[@noble_lemon]

Ali comes to his first box training. Coach: remember one of the most important rules - do not lower your hands. Ali: naah, I'm good.

[@coolbreeze2.0-mortemadfasc13]

🤣🤣🤣

[@spartan1010101]

It’s amazing to come up with such a strategy in the middle of the fight like that. Getting shocked by inexperience with southpaws has caused people to lose whole fights or even get KOd as well so it really goes to show how innovative and quick Ali’s thinking really is.

[@chadtep7571]

@El Grando Smokio but only a fighter with Ali's ability can pull it off.

[@iliveinsideyourhouse3943]

Ali is likes the main character in anime

[@FoopDogg]

spot on!

[@animationdude9]

@@iliveinsideyourhouse3943 lmao That's too fuckin accurate

[@LYLEWOLD]

he's so fast he could cut off the light and be in bed before the room got dark.

[@MerkinMuffly]

Ali was one of those rare boxers that could knock you out while backpedaling.

[@merlhawkins9108]

The way he beat down Cleveland Williams was a beautiful boxing lesson!! Williams was one of the most feared heavyweights at that time I don’t think he landed a single punch on Ali

[@johnhendricks8140]

Ali was a thinking boxer he had a great fight I.q.this shows that boxing isnt just about brute strength, its chess.

[@SkyreeXScalabar]

anything at the professional/high level is more about mental than physical

[@shshskjsshhsj4332]

SkyreeXScalabar lmfao naw you can have the highest fight IQ in history but if you dont have the endurance then you're fucked

[@commentconnoisseur1001]

@@SkyreeXScalabar fighting is 100% mental when you've got 100% of the necessary physicality

[@callamwong]

​@The Shadow Dwelling Poet that makes no sense

[@callamwong]

@The Shadow Dwelling Poet well the analogy doesn't make sense... because hte original post is comparing it to chess. Boxing is much more limited than mma so it would be comparable to checkers, and by no means would anybody who isn't high as a kite think checkers is a more skillful game than chess. Ali is one of the most skillful when it comes to boxing, but he doesn't know jackshit when it comes to fighting. This is proven when he fought Inoki in an exhibition where a wrestler was not allowed to use any grappling and still beat him soundly.

[@ikemreacts]

Lordy, Lordy. I know it's boring, but what a genius this man is. I thought I had heard it all, seen it all. I met the man in life, went to his funeral in death and even now, you are picking out gems and surprises. I can only say thank you to him - and to you.

[@alrivers2297]

Not boring at all

[@alekwojcik9030]

Jesus this one is purely amazing. I am obsessed with Ali, and seeing you doing such a great job with this breakdowns, actually makes me feel proud, lol

[@alekwojcik9030]

Jashard Wallington Exactly

[@likes2999]

MUFC I don't give a shit about people chasing a ball

[@harliv2571]

@@likes2999 that's one hell of a reply, amazing

[@KanyesBigEgo]

@@missme8670 lmao bc Ali is the goat n this is just one of many great videos that prove how great he truly is

[@deejames6371]

If ya like Ali?.... Check-Out "Sugar Ray Leonard!"

[@tetanusteta3871]

It's mesmerizing how he dodged the punches with such minimal movements, it's like the punches weren't thrown to hit him in the first place.

[@MultiTopgearfan]

6:42 that punch from Ali caused him to reboot the system for a while. 7:27 meanwhile, you can't help but smile looking at Ali's showmanship. Truly The Greatest.

[@BKC-mv6hs]

Sparrows. My OOGIE, lets Boogie Oogie. Love hip hop, Fuck hip hop. Lol

[@nanonkay5669]

6:43 That punch left him discombobulated 🤣🤣

[@bepe4279]

Tirivashe Shamhu this man was S H O O K E TH

[@complexblackness]

Lol

[@Krunchyz]

This must not register in an emotional level

[@commentconnoisseur1001]

@@bepe4279 imagine memes being your personality

[@bepe4279]

Comment Connoisseur they are somewhat related to my personality...

[@manzoorathar11]

Ali is probably the best thinking sports person ever.

[@cedricmosley1998]

manzoor Athar Na mayweather

[@Tres-K-47]

Cedric Mosley they both thought on their feet and were quick to adapt it’s hard to pin who was better

[@rabbitshady499]

Sports person? I'd say messi.

[@engagementengagement8836]

Rabbit Shady no

[@Head318Hunter]

Larry Bird , J. Montana both say hold my beer. But yea Ali probably is the top dog.

[@lanatana3867]

Ali adapted in fights so fluently that it was unbelievable. What a Champion what a fighter what a man what a human being. The beat and the undisputed greatest

[@evarflorendo1989]

Till this day I still have not seen any heavyweight with the same hand speed Ali had. Good video bro👌🏾

[@charlesdourado8292]

And what about Floyd Paterson

[@evarflorendo1989]

@k1d n1ce Yes he does. Tyson was an inside fighter. Ali was distance, outside, and Ali had tremendous hand speed when he was also younger. Check out some of his videos when he was young. Not taking anything from Tyson and his one of my favorite heavyweights but there is a huge difference of speed there

[@evarflorendo1989]

@@charlesdourado8292 Oh he was fast but not like Ali though. I mean even Ali whooped him🤷🏽‍♂️

[@evarflorendo1989]

@k1d n1ce His chin is definitely solid. I mean he had 61 professional fights and who's who in the game and never been knocked out knock down? Yes. But always managed to get back up and stick to the game plan. Even in the inside Ali had tremendous lightning speed. Blazing combinations

[@hernandayolearyallda]

@k1d n1ce Yup, much faster. You have to remember jabs land first.

[@markleon2270]

6:42 Ali punched him the face so hard his defense shut down

[@billykhoabillykhoa7844]

System rebooting...

[@ShamsaQT]

Stun Grenaded his shit

[@nathanielmurphy03]

Looks like a punch out animation

[@ardinyannn]

seeing Ali dodging the enemy's fists, was one of the most satisfying things.

[@rybakrybak6900]

I could spend entire day watching Ali dodging punches

[@averageminecraftenjoyer9419]

Ali could spend an entire day dodging punches

[@anikkhan4887]

The first 2 secs..and my jaw already dropped! Those lightning punches!

[@j.j.guerrieri8121]

That little left hook was so quick and perfectly placed, beautiful

[@ffadezzgg5761]

God I wish there were thousands of these vids

[@liberatorhifenua5490]

Ali was the master of art and creativity

[@rajendramisir3530]

And, Ali was ready to take risks in the middle of battle in the ring. Ali proved to the world of sports that boxers are the greatest athletes. Boxers using their hands to attack and defend themselves against their opponents is not a feat for the weak at heart. They know that they can cause the death of their opponents or get killed themselves. And, they conditioned their bodies to take a good beating. Boxers are true warriors! Ali discussed the inside straight punch with Bruce Lee.

[@soleknight3212]

Ali nearly KO'd Mildenberger around 4 times in that fight. The German kept getting saved by the bell.

[@societaldust2983]

Nein, zats near impossible for someone of zhe master race no? For legal reasons this is joke btw

[@jayedwards1205]

That’s false...Mildenberger was a tough fighter and fought a great fight vs Ali

[@soleknight3212]

@@jayedwards1205 I never denied ANY of what you said. See the full fight. Karl was on the verge of being KO'd a few times and saved by the bell... kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2HFk6prf5mZoLc

[@sheogorath1524]

@MUFC You have finally answered a question that was tormenting me for 21 years. That question being "What is the most boring paragraph ever?"

[@sks2899]

@MUFC troll

[@katestaley8181]

Thanks for the videos. You have phenomenal insight into the fight game and amazing editing skills. Thanks for sharing your talent with the world.

[@ocnbxng5038]

Great to see some Ali analysis ! Keep it coming with the legends

[@Jmansummers]

This was pure gold. Amazing content man!

[@MrROUBAIX72]

I never seen someone move in so hard while moving backwards..that is so impressive..Ali is the "greatest "

[@petergreen5337]

Indeed, boxers like joe Louis and sonny liston BELIEVED that Ali showed that to false ie cleve Williams and sonny liston KNOCK Outs.

[@nizartarkhani6183]

Ali ist von Natur Linkshänder deswegen einen Schritt nach hinten um in seine natürliche Auslage zu kommen

[@youtoo2233]

Yeah keep breaking down Ali fights such as all three Norton fights!

[@StevenPigott]

I agree

[@conesinker_4209]

@helel bin shahar true but he was still the best in the world after his draft all of his most iconic fights happened after the ban

[@conesinker_4209]

@helel bin shahar true

[@kevinrace446]

Ali strugged with top quality pressure fighters like Norton and fraser, he didn't have the one punch stopping power of foreman who took care of both men pretty easily, ali was the greatest tho!

[@apex_prowler95]

Ali was Ali and because of that he got the tight decisions over Norton. He lost all 3 or 2 out of 3 depending on how generous you are.

[@shaunmclorie5929]

Absolutely brilliant breakdown, thank you for creating this

[@robbieg6036]

Another great, insightful video. Masterful analysis and encyclopaedic knowledge of combat sports. Love from the UK

[@clyde24skywalker]

my God that cross counter is beautifull ....

[@jadersantana4720]

Great!! Always excited about your technique breakdowns!

[@kellyhuffman]

Love your boxing breakdowns!! Great stuff once again!! KEEP DOING IT

[@applesaregood8626]

Always love seeing your video. Keep it up.

[@duchi882]

To all my fellow Southpaws Brofist 👊

[@zainedog04]

Brofist 👊

[@dastaces]

Yeah Boiii

[@SudokuPUA]

Haha yes!

[@venomousstriker4715]

Well I'm a left handed switch hitter but can I still brofist

[@mohammedkhan5264]

Let's gooo

[@ForemanFitness52]

This is a awesome breakdown of Ali and the elite skill level he has! 💯👊

[@macdylan15]

That was a very insightful video!

[@otrorocco]

Thx, one of the best boxing channels out there.

[@KoolhandLuke]

Love these Ali breakdowns

[@Danielkozina]

Ali is a smart man for a reason, being able to adjust against a southpaw and starting circling the other direction towards his opponents chest he used his head movement to set up counters on his opponents, his footwork was what really set him apart from the rest though.

[@grf15]

I've watched two of the videos on this channel today, both dealing with Ali. He was my favorite fighter but before today I didn't know about his technique. A super job of explanation and demonstration of just how talented Ali was.

[@LegendInThaMakin]

5:56 is fucking insane 😱

[@hectorandem2944]

07:27 *Bruh* 🤣🤣

[@Cixfa]

Lmao ikr . Manz was toying him 💀😭😭

[@tokenstandpoint93]

Nice video, I'm so taking notes on this one!

[@patrickxuereb8309]

Great video, very insightful 👍

[@ghaffz6744]

I REALLY LOVE THESE MUHAMMAD ALI VIDEOS KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK❤️❤️💯

[@dxdux]

What an amazing fighter, fantastic analysis!

[@C-rations2394]

Terrific breakdown, TMMA! Much appreciated. Thank you!

[@r.a.8407]

What a pleasant surprise leave it to you to post a video i didn't even know i wanted to see

[@Chuklz70]

My goodness! Even slowed down I can barely see the blur of that hook Ali planted on Mill’s chin...!

[@matteogarzi4339]

As always a great job

[@Khazuki_]

Your channel got me interested in boxing (only as a spectator). You do a good job extracting the narrative thread for people like me with no knowledge of the sport to be able to understand the strategy at play.

[@ApacheKid77]

You are probably the best commentator I've heard on this subject. Your analysis is excellent. Thank you

[@antoniospanayiotou8619]

As martial artists we train using techniques and stratergies so that we may go beyond them into a freeflowing and intuitive state of being. Ali was such a man, ever in the present, beyond the mind and in tune with his greater Self! A Samson in the ring and in lfe. It was an honour to have him among us. RIP great one until the bell rings again🙏

[@ahsanihafizhu7129]

he's so good, he crosses over his opponent cross.

[@jamesb8193]

That was bananas I never noticed that ability was in his arsenal.

[@sergiosaunier]

This channel is pure gold.

[@YDgy772]

Yet another amazing post, thank you so much.

[@malikjamshed1207]

One of the reason that he is the greatest

[@kakshanty5301]

Masyallah I love Ali, i pray you in jannah, Aamiin

[@petergreen5337]

Ameen

[@muhammadkhan-vn8lt]

just felt i had to write a comment, you are by far the best person to breakdown a fight, you have given us a glimpse as to why Ali was so good...excellent

[@whatiswrongwithyou5583]

What a phenomenal channel mate - great work

[@PhoenixProdLLC]

Ali wind milling his right! 😂😂 The GOAT!

[@Anfernee.Clarke]

0:30 yo! Wtf was that just floating through people with a nice looking blue polo shirt on?

[@tanishqsharma7]

Damn ! Really what was that.

[@JigsawMassacr]

@Salantay Almontai dude was hauling ass

[@bullfranthrow]

Lol how the hell did you see that? I think that's a time traveler

[@dixonbainbridge923]

he was literally doing about 40mph through there hahaha

[@michaelmira-lopez1660]

Ghosty spirit dude runnin' through the sky

[@coleashmore]

Great vid as usual! That being said I miss your MMA fight commentary,and breakdowns! I hope you start covering MMA again, you have such great analysis! The MMA community needs it, with so much sub par analysis I hope reconsider. I just wanted to voice my opinion, because I miss your MMA content. Thanks for your work!

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

You point out the positional geometry advantages really well. And this 3rd round strategy change by Ali bears that out perfectly.

[@DeLarger]

How could anyone with eyes or ears say this man was not the greatest?

[@slicktom300]

only Haters that shit blood.

[@thechidd8819]

You should do a fight breakdown of Hagler vs John Mugabi.

[@brittdavid8591]

Fantastic Explanations '👊🏾'

[@chrisallen3211]

Excellent video!

[@Silly81]

Dammit, I want that Foreman/Moore fight breakdown right now. That was a great fight.

[@LOUISVILLECARDINALS]

R.I.P. to the greatest of all time Muhammad Ali Louisville KY misses you 🙏🏾

[@eaglevision9474]

This was a very good analysis.🙏

[@lukeerik2752]

This is really good analysis. I've just started getting interested in boxing and MMA and I can see when someone does something good, but don't understand what they've done. This video really helps

[@Arcueid_Brunestud]

It's always a pleasure seeing new videos from you, especially if they pertain to the greatest boxer of all time, Muhammad Ali.

[@roberc1abc]

7:27 Pure entertainment :D

[@complexblackness]

Lol

[@jordancooke5980]

Lol I know right

[@daves-c8919]

Fantastic breakdown. Great work

[@dayaaron87]

Great analysis again

[@marvinallen7117]

This just shows how brilliant Ali was!!

[@abdirahmanrashid4526]

I always like these muhammad Ali fights Keep up the amazing work

[@freddytrinidad3155]

Great analysis!

[@maroobrovac268]

Dude. Gatti vs Ward trilogy. Please!!!

[@toppshi1394]

Float like a butterfly Sting like a bee He can punch what you can't see. Rip Ali

[@zislec]

Great analysis 😌👌🏾

[@shaynelahmed6323]

Ali is wily as hell. So are you! Another riveting master piece. Thanks!

[@alfjones6377]

6:42 That man caught the holy spirit! Church!

[@kingmike3969]

Look at 7:08 real holy spirit caught in the back

[@oyra3567]

king mike bruh wtf is that

[@bushidobrown3952]

Y'all got me dying lol

[@gdhallow3047]

The one dislike probably thought that button meant *"dis I like".* Edit: I think a breakdown on Terence Crawford's switch-hitting style would be awesome considering he's the best at it right now. 👌💯

[@Shtobobs]

Damn that is original bro, epic jokes

[@gdhallow3047]

@Jashard Wallington Idk if he's better than Whittaker but I'd argue he's the best at it in 2020.

[@jamesholmes9932]

@Jashard Wallington tats wen he retires🤣

[@James-zp4ce]

Another great vid I could watch these for hours

[@karlmercer9192]

Great breakdown 👍

[@notrojai8800]

This exact topic was actually on my mind. Heavyweights vs southpaws

[@rabbitshady499]

Wtf? 😂 Heavyweights vs southpaws?

[@catdogfishdogcats]

7:26 Ali: Ora! Ora! Ora! Ora!

[@Chill_Brill]

Your Jojo reference is greatly appreciated. You sir are a man of culture

[@alvolante4164]

David you always do such great analysis!! An Ivan Calderon break down video would be great. He was a small light boxer often fighting taller heavier opponents. He had great hand speed and foot work. His championship fight against Hugo Cáceres is one of my favorites.

[@sethobregon4100]

Your videos are excellent man!

[@MrAsgharbukhari]

The Greatest of All Time

[@BenchNaldo]

I see Tyson as the greatest but I can strongly agree that Ali is the greatest too if you know what I mean... Respect to Ali :) such a joy

[@tba2204]

i would love to see the george video

[@trueorfalsenottrueandfalse3934]

Excellent analysis as always

[@Spud_E_Buddy]

Great analysis. You allowed me to gain an even new appreciation for The Greatest. Nice work 🙏

[@zyrushebres7347]

Um did anyone notice a transparent figure running on the background in 00:27 or is it some weird lighting?

[@monkeman257]

Yeah

[@adambirleson8119]

I would like you to do a break down on alexander usyk’s technique and career, that would be great

[@frankhoward4485]

Great breakdown, Mr. Artist.

[@catcatcatcatcatcatcatcatcatca]

This video is brilliant, and I'd love to see more coverage of Ali's later years.