Norton can't fight on the back-foot, and that's where he'll be put. He doesn't have the chin to take Marciano's best for long. Marciano wins this by KO, and I don't think he'd need half an hour to do it. Marciano between 5-7.
I'm not going to say, but do wanna remind people that although Marciano was unstoppable in the early to mid 50s, he never fought a fighter as massive, as powerful, or as relentless as Ken Norton. Not even close.
Norton was better than the seniors and LHW-CWs Rocky faced. At CS-level, Marciano averaged 9,4 rounds for a stoppage. Thats myriads away from 70s Foreman power and looks pretty save for Kennys chin. I think Norton stops what Charles and Walcott began and wins either by stoppage or decision.
Ken Norton even in his peak years did not fare well with big hitters, Jose Luis Garcia and George Foreman. Rocky Marciano had one gear, and he was always in drive. He came forward bobbing and weaving looking to strike whatever he could, arms, body, and head. He usually broke the spirit of an opponent by imposing his will, which appeared unending like his stamina. Ken would have to fight going back, unable to land his offense of body blows. Rocky by TKO 5.
Norton doesn't have the chin for this. Marciano puts in work and gets him by the latter rounds. Norton wins some rounds but I don't see him surviving the entire fight.
I think Norton has the ability to absorb blows from Rocky contrary to most of my fellow posters. I see Norton smothering Rocky turning it into a cagey affair leaving Marcinao unable to find a safe angle to punch from. With no answers for Kenny’s style or athletic gifts before long he is being battered into a referee stoppage somewhere along the ropes.
I like Rocky in this, tho that's not to say Ken has no chance. Norton gave the greatest the fights of his life and Holmes too. I see a great battle, back and forth but it's Marciano that comes on strong. By the eight round on, Ken's looking battered and in trouble. I see Rock blasting him to the floor about the ninth. Good exciting fight.