Although the conventional wisdom was that Norton was a complete flop against big punchers - Foreman, Shavers, Cooney, I don't see Spoon' as being quite like those aforementioned guys. Witherspoon was more of a boxer-puncher who set everything up with a cracking jab. When in shape and focused he was a fine if not great performer. Norton would be well aware of the power of Spoon's booming right and would circle away from it while his crossarms defense would pick off Tim's jabs. Norton would land a lot of leather but Witherspoon's solid beard would keep him in the fight. Norton starts to wear down Spoon' later in the fight and pounds his way to a clear-cut points verdict. Norton UD
Or a stoppage. I'm not convinced Tim would be able to absorb that kind of sustained body punching. He can absorb the headshots but I really don't see him shaking off the effects of that 2 fisted Norton body attack.
Tim had a good right hand but was not consistent or ever really in great condition to apply pressure. He may hurt Ken or may not, most of Tim's wins were close decisions. Norton may be too busy and keep Tim content on the outside with his non-inspired pace. Norton UD because of his Rhythm breaking style and Tim's lack of spark
Exactly how I see this one. Would be pretty lively at the start,but Norton's superior jab,strength and stamina would see him through. 12 rounds and Tim's hanging on at the end. Ken would force a late stoppage if a 15 rounder.
You know i saw this thread yesterday and didnt want to touch it, cause in my opinion these guys are pretty equal HTH. I can see Witherspoon Catching Norton , but i doubt it im thinking Norton would outwork him and Witherspoon would do well and keep it real close at times but wouldnt do enough. WItherspoon had a good jab,good punch and really an overall game,but nothin spectacular. Norton wants this more and pulls a few tricks that Eddie Futch has in stored and survives a few scares to beat the lazy terribel tim:bbb 144-142 145-141 oR in new 12rd language 115-113 Norton
Witherspoon would stun Norton several times, but Ken would weather the temporary storm and win by a majority decision over 15.
Q: Was there ever a big punching heavyweight that Norton beat ? He was hell for li, Holmes and Young but was destroyed by Garcia, Foreman, Shavers and Cooney ... he never fought Lyle or any puncher between Foreman an Shavers, basically five years .. still, I like Ken here ... too busy and too good ..
Well Garcia was no where near the same when Norton beat him ... I do like that Ken stepped into the ring ... Ron and Cobb were decent ,not big punchers ... not to mention neither was world class ...
Great match up! Norton has better skills on offense, Witherspoon had better skills on defense. Style wise, I think Norton is all right since Witherpsoon wasn't the aggressive bomber types that blew Norton out. I think this is a true 50/50 type of fight that depends on the judging in the close rounds. Maybe Norton wins more rounds cleanly, but Witherspoon is likely to win more rounds " big ", and score the knockdowns. I voted for a draw.
I think an in shape Witherspoon beats Norton. Witherspoon, the one that fought Holmes, makes me think of a Jimmy Young, but with awsome power.