shommel, Depends on where the bout is held. In San Diego, Ken Norton by decision. In San Francisco, Eddie Machen by decision. 1973 Ken Norton vs. 1962 Eddie Machen
2 hooks thrown by norton the first breaks machen ribs the second shatters his jaw machen is taken out of the ring and ponders retirement:think
Norton was a rhythm breaker and although Eddie had power not the kind that is a definite to beat Kenny. I think Kenny's awkward style gives him the edge for the nod over 10
Norton could have won a decision in this one by doing his "foot in the bucket", spoil the boxers "stuff" approach that he was so good at...this made easier for him by virtue of his size advantages that he would have had over Machen...the same would have been true vs Zora Folley, BTW.
This fight could be like a Ken Norton vs. Jimmy Young fight. But Eddie had more power than Jimmy, and would have made it a little interesting in San Diego, Norton 6-4-2 in 12 rounds.
Eddie also wasn't quite as slick as my man Jimmy...though he was a clever guy...and there wouldn't be any disputing the decision for Kenny.
I think Norton has the best chance. Eddie was a very good boxer, but more of a one dimensional sort. He did not have the abilities that Ali, Holmes or Young had in that department, nor was he as durable as those guys. I could see Ken winning a comfortable decision, or even a late stoppage on the right night.
Norton would pour it on in the late rounds to win a decision. A prime Eddie could actually have a chance of hurting Norton, but he probably wouldn't finish him.
This is a nice safe fight too. Nobody get hurts in 'sunny southern' California. I would have liked a 1962 Cleveland Williams vs. 1973 Kenny Norton. And throw in an (undefeated) early-1966 Joey Orbillo vs 1962 (undefeated) Billy Daniels as the 'undercard'.
Machen went the distance with Liston, one of the hardest hookers ever. This is a close fight I lean slightly towards Norton ,but Eddie could take a dec.
