1959 Sonny Liston vs 1976 Ken Norton, 12 rounds.

Liston KO1.

 

Liston KO early

 

Ken's mid rounds orientation wouldn't favor him here if it lasted several rounds as Sonny often went. With both participants mid ring and flat footed, Norton isn't trading jabs with Sonny successfully. Kenny had the overhand right for reaching Ali that Sonny tried to develop for Lewiston but lacked the physical structure to execute. But Norton couldn't unload a straight right to save his life. Liston was a fine straight puncher with good boxing basics. Ken's not hurting him, taking his best shots or matching Sonny's physical strength. His only advantage is hand speed, and we've seen what good that did Patterson.

 

Liston KO Norton in 5 rounds.

Liston is far more patient and Methodical in his approach and won't come out recklessly guns blazing trying to end the fight quickly as a Young Foreman often did to his prey.

 

Liston in 1959 hadn't yet laid down in a fight. He would be innocent of that one thing, for six more years. So I would expect an honest fight between these two, which spells doom for Norton.

 

Yet another big puncher KOs Kenny.

 

I think Liston would stop Norton inside of two rounds.

 

It would be stoppage around 4th or 5th round.

 

Kenny facing a huge agressive bonecrushing puncher, hmmm... funny, I think I have seen that before


No doubt Kenny will try his cute crab defense thingy, and that is gonna work for let's say 30 seconds; but once Sonny finds the range and starts hitting it is good night Kenny.