This Norton could outbox the best boxers, but fell prey to the biggest punchers in the division. Norton packs a punch, but nothing really to keep Tyson off of him. Tyson KO2
Really liked Norton, but don't put him in against murderous punchers because they will level him early. Tyson TKO3
Tyson would have smoked Norton, and quickly. Norton couldn't handle big punchers. He fared much better against boxers. Tyson in 2 or 3.
Norton's early KO's came at the hands 2 of boxing's all time hardest punchers. In addition, being able to absorb the blows of world class fighters in the late rounds of a fight qualifies any fighter as having a good chin. Did Norton have a Hagler or Ali like chin? No, but neither did Tillis, Mitch Green, Bone Crusher Smith or Tony Tucker and they all stood up to Tyson's power. Holyfield, Lewis, Douglas and the other 2 not only stood up to Tyson but all KO'd him. Shavers and Foreman were much, much harder punchers than any of those who KO'd Iron Mike yet he's not accused of having a glass jaw. I'll make an argument that Ali, Holmes and Quarry also hit harder than those who KO'd Tyson. Shavers and Foreman were also big heavyweights unlike Tyson. Norton was never hurt by a smaller heavyweight. Reviewing Tyson's record there is one constant, he was unable to stop most of the quality fighters he faced and was never able to win a war against a determined opponent. There is no Norton vs Holmes on Tyson's record. Another factor that is never mentioned in Norton's losses to Shavers and Foreman is that he should have employed the strategy used against Bobick rather than used so effectively against boxers. In conclusion, it's true that Tyson might have caught Norton cold early. But if Tyson had to face the Norton of Ali 2, Holmes or Bobick, then Tyson's forced into a fierce fight and we know Tyson never survived on of those.
Shavers was only 6'0" 210 lbs. Tyson actually weighed more than him on the average and in solid muscle. Norton was KOed by Jose Luis Garcia who was a hard puncher but not a "big" heavyweight at only 188 lbs. Tyson would blitz Norton just as quick as Shavers did. Norton's crab defense was all wrong for powerful hitters that could pressure and go to the body. Tyson was an excellent finisher as well. Bobick is evidence that a great puncher isn't always going to beat Norton, especially if they are stiff and vulnerable. That doesn't describe Tyson. Shavers killing Norton to the body to set up the knockout. No way this man is lasting with Iron Mike. [url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCG1dfKXxLE[/url]