Not as one sided as most would assume ? If Joe came to fight like he did against Ali (first fight) and Frazier two years previously,I can see him giving a good account of himself,and going the distance. Norton would win a competitive,yet clear decision. Good exchange of jabs would ensue.
When aroused, as he was when he flattened Denis, Bugner could be extremely dangerous. Generally though, I found him to be a safety first boxer who lacked the temperament to take it to the top level. He took enormous pride in going the distance with Ali and Frazier, but was capable of considerably more if he had greater fire in the belly. As he did with Ali and Frazier, he'd settle for going the distance with Norton, and neither would ever be in any great peril.
The clearly more purposeful and resolute Norton wins this one. Norton would apply the same style virtually as he did Ali and Young somewhat, advancing behind his crossarmed defense, cutting off the ring and winning the duel of jabs. Norton would find a home for his effective overhand right as well. What offense offered by Bugner wouldn't be of the potent variety, and he'd be too flummoxed by the odd style of Norton to ever take command, and what he would land would be taken well by Norton..who wouldn't have to fear being hurt by Bugner. Norton by a clean, clear unanimous 15 round decision.
bugner by UD. bugner has the better jab, faster hands, he's taller, and he has a longer reach. I think if it was bugner from the Richard dunn fight, Frazier fight, or the Dino Dennis fight, he would probably win.. he had a decent right hand and he could knock people out with it. and he was an exceptional defensive fighter.
Kenny Norton bulls Bugner into the ropes and pounds away unimpeded for a UD. Bugner had neither the temperment nor the punching power to discourage Norton's attacks. Norton UD
