Yes. This match-ups ends Norton UD 10 times out of 10. Ken would be way too busy and Bugner didn't have the kind of power to bother Kenny.
How would you rate Bugner relative to the other heavyweights of his era, during his prime in the 1970s? I think it's foolish that so many people deny that Bugner was a legitimate top 10 heavyweight. In my book, despite his faults, Bugner was indisputably one of the 10 best heavies in the world during his prime. He was a bonafide contender.
Norton's biggest problems came from guys who pressured him and had both the power and the aggression to make him crumble. None of these things describe Joe Bugner.
Joe was a big strong guy, and fast on his feet, with a good Jab, and durability, if only he didnt have that inane sense of safety first, Ken would Stalk, and Hack at Bugner, particularly when he manoeuvres him to the ropes, perhaps that big surprise overhand right of Nortons would Rattle Joe on occassion, then i think they would slip into a Norton winning the Fight, Bugner not getting too hurt routine, Ken may get frustrated at his inability to cause anything too dramatic to happen, as he did with Larry Middleton, Ken wins a laboured frustrating fight clearly on points, Joe invites platitudes for going the distance with one of the worlds best, and both hope they never meet each other again during business hours.
If Joe's in one of his 'up for it' moods,this would be quite a competitive bout. Bugner would have his moments in the early going and the jabs from both men would be much in evidence. Norton pressurising with his,and Joe countering. Ultimately Ken would wear Joe down and win by ten rounds to four,approximately. Quite a lot of the stanzas would be a 10-9 score.
Even Ali went to Bugner's body. Kenny's hook would be glued to that big, upright frame. Joe wouldn't be using his jab much in this one, keeping his left upside his face to guard against that overhand right. Lopsided decision for Norton before a half filled venue in London, and yes, it might look a good deal like Norton-Middleton.
He was definitely a legitimate contender and a good fighter at that. No disagreement there. But his style and other attributes were not fit to be favored over Ken Norton.
Would anybody have to sit through this bout,,,,,,,,, This match-up smells of complete boredom. Kenny Norton would press the fight and score points whenever he wanted. Joe Bugner, would be as usual, on the defensive in 'survival mode'. Hopefully it would only be scheduled for 10-Rounds, as being forced to watch anything more would be 'cruel and unusual punishment'. This would be one of the worst style match-ups in the 1970's Heavyweight Merry-Go-Round. Where is Ron Stander versus Danny McAlinden when you need them!!!!
I totally agree with you,kenmore. His prime coincided with,arguably,the best era in heavyweight history.