Peak Ken Norton Versus Peak Joe Walcott

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by ThatOne, Feb 28, 2024.


Who wins

  1. Ken

    29.6%
  2. Joe

    70.4%
  1. ThatOne

    ThatOne Boxing Addict Full Member

    6,430
    8,829
    Jan 13, 2022
    Who wins this banger?
     
  2. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

    51,439
    25,935
    Jan 3, 2007
    I didn’t vote because I simply don’t know. Walcott was a crafty boxer with a good punch. Norton did well with the best boxers but Walcott was also a little awkward. I’m thinking this goes the distance and results in a close decision one way or the other. Someone might get decked along the way
     
  3. HomicideHank

    HomicideHank I believe in the transmigration of souls Full Member

    796
    548
    Nov 27, 2023
  4. Ney

    Ney Boxing Junkie Full Member

    8,202
    10,677
    Feb 13, 2024
    I almost abstained as well. Can’t say I’m comfortable with either selection, but in a 51-49 type pick, I’ve got Walcott being juuust cute & interesting enough to eek out the decision. Really you can’t go wrong whoever you pick.
     
  5. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

    51,439
    25,935
    Jan 3, 2007
    Agreed
     
  6. BCS8

    BCS8 VIP Member

    61,469
    81,962
    Aug 21, 2012
    That's a good answer. Based on what I've seen from either guy I lean towards Norton. But I'm no specialist on either.
     
    USFBulls727 and mr. magoo like this.
  7. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

    30,221
    37,163
    Jan 8, 2017
    Leaning slightly to ward Norton but with no strong conviction.
    Jersey Joe could turn it around with those sneaky shots.
     
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta likes this.
  8. he grant

    he grant Historian/Film Maker

    25,624
    9,656
    Jul 15, 2008
    Norton big unless Walcott cracks him which is possible … otherwise Ken.
     
  9. Pedro_El_Chef

    Pedro_El_Chef Active Member Full Member

    1,218
    1,926
    Mar 29, 2023
    Walcott is paradoxically both Norton's best stylistic match up and worst nightmare rolled into one, a cutie with a punch.
    I see Norton keeping up with Walcott, the scorecards would be close, but Joe has the chance to land something monstrous here ala Charles III/ Louis I,II/ Marciano I and put Kenny out for good.
    The man who can both win the decision and score a knockout is my favorite here.
    Norton has a decent chance of taking the decision here too.
    Hard to pick confidently.
     
  10. nyterpfan

    nyterpfan Active Member Full Member

    556
    1,096
    Oct 7, 2021
    Walcott in a UD or possible late stoppage--knew all the tricks and had power as well--too much for Norton.
     
    Last edited: Mar 1, 2024
    Pedro_El_Chef likes this.
  11. Rollin

    Rollin Boxing Addict Full Member

    4,230
    6,740
    Nov 17, 2021
    Toss it.

    Norton's own rhythm and awkward technicality likely throws off Walcott's own mastery of broken cadence and ring musicality. That, and crossguard is well suited to pick off his favorite right hand counter.

    Norton is favored inside, but Walcott is by no means defenseless there. He was a fine inside fighter with a dynamite punch.

    Fantastic match-up.
     
  12. Reinhardt

    Reinhardt Boxing Junkie Full Member

    14,146
    19,338
    Oct 4, 2016
    Norton takes a UD ,
     
    KernowWarrior likes this.
  13. PRW94

    PRW94 Well-Known Member Full Member

    2,201
    3,824
    Nov 26, 2020
    I like Norton a lot and I think Walcott is underrated here … I like Joe because of his craftiness but I don’t feel strongly about it.
     
  14. thistle

    thistle Boxing Junkie Full Member

    7,601
    8,133
    Dec 21, 2016
    I feel similar here, I have always valued Norton as a True Great, but equall JJW IS an ATG, no argument and I have also felt his boxing Smarts & Crafty Slick Styles beats Most in the Division, including Norton, though the stength & capability of Norton could, I suppose, do it!

    But I'd favour Jersey Joe.
     
  15. Niels Probst

    Niels Probst Member banned Full Member

    365
    199
    Dec 9, 2023
    Norton all the way. Way too big, too strong, too skilled to be bothered by a small cruiserweight. H2H Walcott may have been the winner if we could adjust to the same weight of both fighters. In this case the big good man beat the small good man.
     
    Reinhardt likes this.