I think he had an equally to tough time that Ali had with a better version of Norton in their rematch.
No he didn't. Norton deserveded the nod vs Ali (in most eyes), Holmes won by at least a couple of rounds (again in most eyes).
Well what about the '73 second fight? A better version of Norton soundly beat. The first fight Ali was unprepared and had his jaw broken in the 2nd, the rubber match he was pretty much done.
I'm talking about Ali-Norton II not III. Most people (Norton included) believe Ali rightfully won that one.
Marciano has a great chance in beating Zaire Ali. Marciano wont gas out like Foreman did. Still be a great fight, but I think Marciano gets a UD with his swarmer attack. Marciano wont be counter like Ali did either, Archie Moore try to pull the same trick, and Archie could not counter Marciano off the ropes like Ali did. Moore called it useing the ropes or fighting off the ropes before Ali named it the Rope of Dope. Dempsey perhaps, Louis could pull it off also. Fraizer from 1971 could do it imo. The reason Foreman lost that fight was because he didnt pace himself. Try to win by taking Ali's head off, and was fighting foolisly. Foreman relly had no plan out side of swining until Ali took the ten count.
Laughable, Foreman was getting countered silly the whole fight and was in front, if you can't see that Ali doesnt need to fight off the ropes or look for counters against Marciano, Marciano isnt as strong as Foreman or ALi and Ali has a 13 inch reach advantage and peppers Marciano as he walks forward.
Marciano has been called one of the strongest fighthers to ever held the heavyweight title. I belive he is about as strong as Ali. I seen footage of Marciano chucking bolders off a hill. Pretty amazing to watch imo. I think your over rated Ali's 13 inch. No one in 49 fights was able to keep Marciano off of them. I pretty sure all of them had a longer reach than Marciano. Marciano would duck, weave, or slip the jab to get in. I dont see Ali keeping Marciano off of him with his reach.
Well, I think a prime Marciano has a good chance against a prime Ali, so I think a prime Marciano will beat this version.
Not very beatable. He was sublimely inspired to produce the miracle "his people", the Zaireans, were expecting. And he still had the tools to work with: he was tough, fast, powerful, and could have danced with a better-quality canvas. This version of Ali could very well have found the proverbial "some way to win" against any foe. His legs were there as can be seen in his previous fight against Frazier.
Oh, ok, apologies for that one. But Norton still hadn't much experience by 1973 and had hardly any decent wins under his belt (apart from Ali). In all likelihood, he had greater desire for the rubber match (with the title and revenge on the agenda).