Just re-watched parts of these two bouts to compare Holy`s cross guard to Norton`s and Holy was faster with better counters and active movement while not punching, Larry looked a lot slower v Holy despite what some have said about 90`s Larry, was Norton a poor man`s Holy? How would Holy have done v a late 70`s Larry?
Holyfield did use the cross guard, but was not a cross-guard fighter like Norton. Imo, Norton and Holy are not comparable (except maybe their jabs). 70s Holmes vs. Holy is very difficult. I would have to go with Holmes by 145-144 SD, or maybe even a draw. Impossible to figure this one out. Both were very similar. Great boxers with good stamina and indestructible chins.
Holyfield would have lost to late 70 s Holmes. Wouldn't be a shutout On Holmes part cos Holyfield always comes to war but Larry could adjust and bite down for the win. Look at the actual fight between the two with Holmes way past prime, Holyfield won conclusively but there were shades of the great Larry in there. And it was the younger man that got cut up.
