The Cooney who beat Norton almost to death is someone Norton in his prime would avoid if he were smart. Gerry was not a good matchup for Ken at any time in his career. Too much power in that left hook.
Easily, Cooney is everything Norton is vulnerable to power puncher with a good left hook. Lyle is 50/50 depending on who lands their power punches first. Young should beat Cooney but he could always catch Young. But overall Young spoils to a decision win after a few scary moments.
For as good as Ken Norton was it’s hard to envision him beating Gerry Cooney even though Ken is the better fighter. I just think Gerry would always have him on the back foot taking heavy bombs. While Ken was excellent at slipping the jab, he really didn’t have much of a maneuver for avoiding lefts hooks to the body and head.
Beats Lyle ko 3-6 rounds Norton,if he can survive the early onslaught has a good chance imo. I think he could take Cooney in the late rounds. Just depends on how he manages in those first few rounds. Jimmy Young, Loses to Young by either late ko or decision.
That overhand right is worrisome due to Cooney’s glass temple, but I think he will butcher Kenny before it even becomes relevant in the matchup.
I think the frustrating thing with Cooneys run against Norton, Young and Lyle is they weren't washed but were past their prime. The wins clearly mean something its hard to tell what. For me if prime Holmes, Spinks and older Foreman beat Cooney it means prime Norton, Young and Lyle do too.
I think he always has a very good chance due to Norton coming in with the Archie Moore cross arm defence and Cooneys one punch left hook power. Norton is a very dangerous guy with good power but with that kind of defence you need a titanium chin.
Some would argue that Norton was in his prime already, as a much wirier version in Primal Fear, while others argue he was clearly prime in his most bulked up for American History X. I don't see him winning either way.