Ken Norton V Frank Bruno (15rounds)?

Bruno's best performances were probably against Lennox and Witherspoon. He outboxed, shook, cut and had Lennox out on his feet, was way up on the cards, until Lennox turned it around in round 7. Witherspoon was arguably the best HW in the world in 1986 when Bruno gave him a close back and forth fight, which Witherspoon went on to stop Bruno. Bruno was also the first to really have Tyson on shaky legs in the first round and if there was more time Tyson might have been in trouble.

As for KO wins. Coetzee was ex WBA champ, Coetzer was rated highly at the time and Bruno did a number on him, similar to Bowe and Foreman did. Bugner was also on a decent comeback run. Tangstad was the European champion.

Bruno also hurt McCall early, which made McCall go into a shell. He was the fastest at the time to KO Tillis, who'd given Tyson a good fight the year before. He stopped Ribalta in 2, Tyson took 10 rounds to stop him. Stopped Carl Williams too.

Many of those boxers were past their absolute best but Bruno's power was no joke. He had agreat stamina and chin but didn't have a very good defence, which could have kept him in fights that he ended up losing.

Norton has a big skill advantage over Bruno. I wouldn't put major money on the winner, there's too many unknowns.

 

Hi Buddy
You're underrating big Frank Bruno here buddy. Bruno could really punch, and your boy Kenny Norton had one of the worst chins in HW history.

Stay safe Mike, chat soon
DoseRadio

 

Bruno in 3 or less.

 

Hi Buddy.
Firstly welcome aboard, secondly you have posted 3 sensible and thought provoking replies to other posts of mine, which I will address in order, as stated Norton did not possess a very solid chin, as to whether it was one of the worst in HW history, is debatable, Garcia quite early in his career, being KOd by Foreman and Shavers is no disgrace, and the Cooney ending was by a body punch as I remember, but your right not up there with the great chins on balance, granted Bruno could punch, but that is negated for me by his lack of stamina, and the tendency to flag/ burn out in the latter stages of some of his big fights, but you make a valid point, of which many will share.
stay safe DR, chat soon.
Mike.

 

Bruno early or Norton late . Great fight