Ken Norton Would Beat Evander Holyfield.

Evander did not have crushing power, nor was he a terrifically elusive target. The Norton who hardly missed an albeit shot and overweight Jerry Quarry was fast enough, sharp enough and focused enough with the skills to box with nearly anybody. Even if Holyfield did out muscle Ken, Cobb also did that, only to have Norton pick him apart off the ropes. Forcing Ken into retreat would not be sufficient in and of itself to get the job done.

Stylistically, Norton would have been a miserable opponent, but there were long stretches in some of his key bouts where his activity level dropped off, and that could cost him dearly with Evander.

No question Holyfield was far greater, but this is an interesting head to head proposition.

 

Holyfield would kick his butt. But it would be a good fight.

 

I see Norton finding a home for many of those looping right hands he liked to throw and as we all know Evander is an inviting target most of the time, but what happens when Holyfield digs in and starts ripping counters into Norton? I think Evander has enough power to hurt and topple Norton, a sick Evander with a bad shoulder dusted Bowe with one hook in there 3rd fight and I know Bowe can take a shot. Had he had anything left Bowe would have been out of there.. I don't think Norton would be able to muscle Holy around you see how well Evander fought Bowe who was bigger then Kenny. Holy also pushed Tyson around all night as well who I would say is just as strong as kenny.. I am envisioning the Holyfield of the 2nd Bowe fight here vs Norton, I say Holy has more speed, better power, is a better combination puncher and he has a better chin.. All of those factors to me equal a Holyfield win I see him taking Kenny out in around 9 rounds..

 

I am similarly puzzled by some of the scoffing-toned comments. This would be very interesting. I think Ken/Evander in one fight is a toss-up. 3 fights, I actually favor Evander's ability to adjust and try a new game-plan.

 

:-(

 

It's one of those fascinating style match ups that boxing emits every now and again. I rank Holyfield higher,he could beat quite a few that would beat Norton,but I can still see Ken edging Evander.

 

A Norton past his best days ran a Prime Larry Holmes very close to the wire (and Holmes said Norton was the best fighter he ever fought - and that was that past it version of Norton) - and the ANCHIENT fat old man who'd lost his contact lense version of Larry Holmes was troubling to the prime time Holy (who Larry called 'ordinary' and who said Larry 'was strong as hell but couldn't fight') - based on that I'd have to say that Norton - certainly the Norton of the first 2 Ali fight would give Holyfield a very very close run for his money - but then I am of the opinion that Holyfield is RIDICULOUSLY OUT OF THIS WORLDLY STUPIDLY OVERRATED BY MOST THESE DAYS ANYWAY LOL

 

Agreed, Duodenum. Though, I think Holyfield outworks him slightly to a close but clear decision win. At his best, he threw great clusters of short, sharp shots, and Ken liked to swing bombs. He'd have plenty of moments, land very hard throughout, and probably win the battle of the jab, but I think Evander would knick 7 or 8 rounds with workrate and speed, and stands a solid shot at scoring a flash knockdown along the way with a sharp sequence.

 

Norton had the longer wingspan and better, harder, faster jab. Norton was physically stronger. Norton was the bigger puncher. It is a terrific match up ...

 

Or Holyfield from the Bean fight, or 3rd Bowe fight, or Lewis fights...

Norton could defeat Holyfield. Not sure if Holyfield hit hard enough to stop Norton in a non attrition type of stoppage. Norton took the best Ali had better than Frazier did.

Interesting match up to me.

 

Holyfield in a tough-fought war with a late rounds tko. Y'all are seriously sleeping on Holyfield's power. He hurt bigger guys(Bowe, Foreman, Douglas) and though not a big puncher, had enough pop to take out Norton. I think he boxes and struggles a bit with Norton then gains rhythm with his jab and combinations to eventually stop Norton.

 

Holyfield went the distance with Moorer, Alex Steward and could not floor Bobby Czyz ... as Bummy wrote, he was a bigger banger than Ali or Holmes but no huge hitter at heavyweight ... he hit Foreman twenty times flush and could not drop him. Holmes laughed at his power in their bout .. his biggest advantage against Norton is his huge heat as at times Ken was simply not the hungriest fighter and this is by his own admittance ,,,,

 

I'm not certain that Holy was a bigger puncher than Holmes and Ali, really... Same tier, I might even say.

 

He made Foreman stumble though that was an accumulative effect. I was just saying earlier that Holyfield has enough pop to hurt Norton not to say he would run through Norton which I can't see him doing if both fought young versions of themselves. I guess it depends on which versions of Norton & Holyfield fight each other.