He turned the clock back that night and fought one of the very best fights of his life. Outstanding performance. He would have beaten many a Champion that night.
Norton's great last stand. He poured every ounce of what was left of his career into those 15 rounds. Ken was really only a shadow after that fight. In fairness, where the OP is concerned, Ken didn't just go the distance that night, he came very close to beating one of history's finest Heavyweights who was young and so hungry you could taste it. I'd give Ken and Larry a 9 each.
They were both good at it but it seemed to come much more natural to Ken. He made himself more compact and utilized it to a higher degree of skill IMO
I have to give Ken Norton an 8, on June 9 1978. Ken lost the first 8 rounds because of the lateral movement and very stiff left jab of Larry Holmes. But watch out, the next six rounds, Norton came roaring back with those very punishing body shots to the torso of Holmes. But round 15 was unforgettable, Larry edged it out to win the WBC Title.
Given Norton's age and career stage it was a super performance from him. His very best years were gone but he still performed at a very high level. I thought Holmes got a teeny bit better after this but not a huge amount as he was close to a finished product. I think a 1980 Holmes and a peak version of Norton from half a decade previous (say 1973) would go close every time and split a series of fights. I'd also take that version of Norton to beat Jimmy Young reasonably clear.
Some historical perspective on the public perception at the time. Norton had finally gotten a title. Many thought he'd beaten Ali in 1976 and he had a great 1977. It was thought that he'd destroy new champ Leon Spinks "when" they fought. He was a media good guy and on a career high. People didn't know Holmes was an all-time-great. Sure, he'd put it all together against Earnie Shavers in March, but before that he was thought of as a "just okay" fighter. It was thought that Shavers had used it all up against Ali. So Norton didn't know he was fighting an all-time-great. He was making a defense against a young, undefeated fighter (much like Holmes did several times during his reign). He wanted to prove himself as a worthy champion, so he was in shape, but probably not in good enough shape, especially mentally, to fight an ATG. So the fact that he was able to keep it close in those circumstances, he gets a 9/10 from me. Holmes, injured and going in against the perceived best fighter in the world, gets a 10/10.
He didn't just go the distance. He almost won the fight. Holmes was not a big puncher so it wasn't a surprise Norton took Larrys best shots A fighter who went the distance with Holmes but was not very competitive was Trevor Berbick.
Great post! I think Norton would have beaten pretty much anyone active in 1978 in that fight. I agree, Ken was superb that night, though rewatching the first Ali fight the difference was noticeable. Ken was obviously sharper in 1972 and harder to hit. I think your pick of a 1980 Holmes is spot on, however I disagree as to the degree that Holmes got better. Holmes started stepping into his right a lot more after Norton (just check out the Evangelista and Ocasio fights, not to mention the Weaver uppercut), and he became a much better puncher. I'm not sure the Holmes who beat Norton could have stopped Weaver...I kind of doubt it. Larry just didn't sit into his punches before Evangelista.
It may have been more of a great fight then a 10 performance by a little past his peak Kenny, still I have to give him a 9, it was that close.
