Scale from 1-10, where do you rank Kenny's power? I have it at 8 out of 10. 10s being Foreman, Wlad, Lewis etc.
Well Larry Holmes said it was comparable to Tyson? - I don’t know how serious I’d take that but he said it.
Ken Norton would be about a 7. Above average, solid power. He can hurt anyone but he wasnt knocking guys out for 10 counts.
I remember Norton literally folding Ali in half in their 3rd match with a bodyshot, so pretty hard I’d say.
I think he punched harder and better to the body. When he went upstairs, a little less effective with those wide punches of his.
Norton had a 78 percent stoppage ratio. His overhand right and body punching were his best attributes. His stoppage of Garcia in their rematch is one of the best body punching displays you will see at Heavyweight. Zanon, D.Bobick, were decent showings of Norton's right hand power. Stephens was a good left hook stoppage. Stopping Quarry even if he was a bit past his best was also a solid showing of Norton's power. I'd rate Norton's power between 7/7.5 ? Good but not great he doesn't have that scary type power or many highlight reel KOs.
7.5, approaching 8. He could bang damn well, and the way he found space for that left hook to the body was terrifying—he gutted Ali like only Frazier in the 11th round of the FOTC did, and folded Garcia badly finding space where there should be none. A few other instances. G Great lead hand shot selection, and when criticized for being something of a one-handed fighter, added that vaunted overhand right of his.
Years ago I read a quote by Ken Norton. He pointed out that at one point it was said that his best punch was the right uppercut. At another point it was said he only had a left hook, then it was nothing but his 'overhand' right. He was of the opinion that he must be a pretty well rounded puncher.
He won 33 of his 42 wins by stoppage or KO. Stopped the durable Henry Clark. Broke Muhammad Ali’s jaw. Had Holmes hurt. I think Ken had some power . So maybe either a 7 or 8 out of 10