Heavy Hands: the critique was correct that you should not be nasty, & it damages your credibility. And there is no logical reason to believe the man is a troll for having a different persepective. However, I happen to agree 100% with your substantive ARGUMENT about the comparison to a prime Ali. Folks cannot just lazily assume that a different version of Ali would never do better when he had much improved foot speed + some more endurance to go full flight + a bit more hand speed. Just keep it clear & clean so your case is recognized, & mainly so you do not denigrate the friendly debate, OK? :drama
I think no matter what Ken Norton would always given Ali a difficult time. Ali in his prime was faster with both his hands and feet and had much better movement which I think would allow him to beat Norton by two or three rounds.
Ali moved to his left right into Nortons right hand, prime Ali or not. Nortons style was perfect for beating Ali.
A youthful Ali turns him all night. He'd make Norton look like a plodder in there trying to catch up to the guy. Kenny is in no way fast enough on his feet for that version.
On his best day beats them all. Oh and Ali is the unviersally recognised barometer of heavyweight greatness. He IS the measuring stick. (Sorry Louis fans)
The younger faster Ali wouldn't get hit by Norton as much and would just generally be too quick in every way. Ali by UD.
The late 60's version of Ali would've had an easier (though not easy) time with Norton than the 70's version. The late 60's Ali was more mobile and had the legs to move all night if necessary. Plus his hands were faster. Norton would be kept turning by Ali while looking to inflict damage and Ali would out speed him with his hands in mid ring. The 70's Ali used up a lot of energy trying to dance too much against Norton and it cost him when he got tired. Even then Ali still made good use of his reflexes and faster hands and of course his chin but he couldn't stay on his toes all night anymore and Norton was able to land some good shots. Pre exile Ali would avoid a lot of the punishment post exile Ali recieved from Ken due to his better legs and stamina. He just wouldn't be there as often for Norton to land.