Prime for prime who takes it? Would Norton freeze just like he did against good punchers? Baer is maybe not puncher like Shavers and Foreman but is harder puncher than Cooney and had granite chin!
Baer never had to deal with a cross arm defense like Norton`s, Baer was easier to hit than Norton and didn`t have his jab, Ken would out-class Baer.
He hit harder than Cooney and it is well documented!Not only that,but he could bang with both hands unlike Cooney! And while Cooney china and stamina are not soo good,Baer chin is granite! Also Baer beat better opponents!
Yes he deal with cross arm/crab defense twice! One ose ordinary cross guard,another was Paolino who had same style as Norton and he won by SD in 20 rounds when Baer was very green! Both Baer and Nortin were easy to hit but Baer punched harder and had granite chin while Norton didn't
Think Baer would over whelm him at some point. The Baer who beat Schmeling and Primo was a focused Baer
There's the elements that makes this fight,,Norton is a better defensive fighter than Baer and a better boxer. If Ken survives the first 4 rounds or 5 rounds Max gets frustrated and Ken can take it. But it's dangerous
Interesring fight, two of my favorites. Two things to consider: 1. Norton struggled against powerful and overwhelming fighters, Baer was both. 2. Baer struggled with good jabs, Norton had excellent one. I think I'd pick peak Baer over any version of Norton, but Ken was more consistent in his prime.
