The more I think about this matchup the more this seems likely. If Norton can weather the first few rounds...
Morrison and early. that cross arm defense of Norton's is wide open for left hooks. And Kenny's footwork is not good enough to create distance. And those looping right hands from way on the outside are not good against this guy either. This is one of the better fighters Morrison has a chance with. I like him in 1 or 2 rounds---before kenny gets warmed up, it'd be over.
Jerry, by the time he fought Norton was but a shell of the Quarry that beat. Lyle, Shavers, Foster, etc, so a little bit misleading, not on your part but in general, if you get my drift . keep well.
Providing Ken does n't get blitzed out early then he outboxes 'The Duke' Norton better all round fighter.
I totally agree with you that Jerry was on his way down. (And, I believe he took the fight on short notice) But, for the first couple of rounds, Quarry was still putting up a spirited fight with Norton. Re-watch the 3rd round of that fight. In spite of greatly slowed reflexes and speed, Quarry bites down and fights like a demon. Not sure that Morrison would make it out of the 3rd round against either of those men. R.I.P., JQ and KN... Two great fighters.
Norton had problems with large strong guys which threw left hooks on him. I think Tommy has the skills to cut off the ring like foreman (or better) and threw bombs right above his cross guard. It all depends on whether Norton can survive the first 2 rounds. But i think Tommy is too explosive and Norton's chin iss to weak + his Style is too vulnerable to left hooks.
The other thing to consider is the big edge in handspeed to Morrison. That punch sizzled early and it takes a few rounds for him to lose that quickness. Kenny wasn't particularly fast and his jab was the only straight punch he threw. Everything else is wide right hook and wide left hook. Like Etienne. He can be beat to the punch by this guy trying to throw that wide left hook to the body as well as just having Morrison coming over that cross arm defense. Very very dangerous waters. Especially in the first few rounds before Norton gets warmed up. Then a lot of the things he does just get better and better.
I'd like to pick Norton because he's is a better fighter but Morrison hits way harder and he has the speed and infighting skills to catch Norton quickly. A true 50/50 match up
What a horrible analogy. The Quarry that Norton stopped was the world's oldest 29 year old, and a mere shell of his former self.
Norton was only really vulnerable to the left hook from what I've seen and it's the only punch Morrison had almost no power in and couldn't throw properly or with any guile or torque or snap. Norton would UD him by kayo or maybe split.
I think you got your thoughts backwards, as Morrison's true strength was his left hook, which was exceptional.
