Ken Norton Versus Max Schmeling

Peak Max was much more skilled than Norton but this is another one I wouldn’t wager on.

 

Don't know about this one. Norton could edge it though

 

The Black Hercules vs the Black Uhlan of the Rhine. Almost too close to call.

I’ve got Schmeling edging a decision. Easily could go the other way.

 

Schmeling wins a straightforward decision

 

Could go either way really

 

I’m not making any overwhelming favorites but I’m leaning towards Norton. I don’t think Schmeling the type of power or physical tools to force Norton on to the back foot. And while he had a good jab and counter right Ken had the right skill set to negate these things.

 

Ken’s biggest weakness was his chin and Max just doesn’t pack enough dynamite to worry him

Norton took Ali to the brink in three fights and Holmes. Kenny is bigger than Max, has an awkward style which would be difficult to figure out and excellent conditioning with a great gas tank I favour him 70/30

 

I’ll go with Kenny here but yeah, interesting fight and Max could definitely provide some problems for Norton.

After all else is consisted, I think Norton’s superior size and power will see him through - but he might not look overly impressive at different points of the fight due to Max’s skills and savvy.

 

I picked Schmeling but one area of lasting concern will be Norton’s under-rated body punching.

 

Louis went for the body a lot in the first fight once he realized it was a better target than Max's ever elusive noggin.
The idea was left hook to the body followed by a right to the head.
Unfortunately Louis missed the stomach several times and went further down into Max's low, causing him to lose a round to low blows.
Max did seem to take the body punches well enough.

Edit: Video timestamp with said body shots (10:14 if it doesn work)

This content is protected

 

Yes, they don’t come any more elusive than the head of Jimmy Young and Ken was smart enough to dedicate the better part of his offence to Young’s boys - close fight but, just imo, Kenny won that match.

Of course Ken also doubled Ali up with left hook like no one else ever managed.

 

Max soaked up a lot of hard punches, didn’t he? He really came to win, come hell or high water. Courage personified.

 

Excellent point about Max not being able to put Norton on his back foot .I'd make Norton the favorite BUT not an overwhelming one and in a fight like this who makes adjustments first has the edge.

 

true. Biggest danger for Norton here would be to get complacent and walk into a big counter right hand ( which could happen. )