So we know Big Gerry had wins over past it, Jimmy Young, Ron Lyle and Norton, but what if those guys had been prime? How do the fights play out then?
The best fighter out of the three does the worst against Gerry here due to the stylistic thing. Even a prime Ken Norton would probably get bombed out against Cooney owing to him being unable to cope with punchers who consistently have him on the backfoot. Ken still beats Young and Lyle in spite of that. Lyle stands a 50/50 shot. Depends upon whether he is still standing after Gerry's early onslaught. The real Cooney/Young fight was looking quite interesting until Jimmy got cut. He was more than holding his own. Therefore I pick a prime Jimmy to clearly outbox Gerry over the distance and win handily by decision.
Yep I think your right about Ken, he'd more than likely get caught early by Cooney and end up brutally stopped again. Lyle, maybe we see Cooney hurt if Lyle survive s the early bombs. He d show Cooney a war given the chance. Jimmy, yes, he definitely stands a great chance imo of winning. He definitely had the tools to do it.
Knocks out Norton and Lyle. Jimmy probably outboxes him or makes him gas out late. If his face can hold up.
I tend to agree but Young could give him problems for sure. Ken Norton gets bombed out in one round no matter what.
I go with the consensus here. Prime versus prime: Gerry vs. Norton, 70 - 30 Gerry vs. Lyle, 50 - 50 Gerry vs. Young, 30 - 70
Young if he hadnt being cut against Cooney may have give him problems for a few rounds. A prime one stands a great chance imo.
Well I thought Cooney won every round vs Young prior to the stoppage, and whilst Young was past his prime he wasn't totally shot either. And it's the only time outside kf being bombed out vs Shavers very early in his career, that Young actually suffered a stoppage loss.
Yep in a way Cooney did well to get the win If Jimmy had made it a few more round, whilst I don't think he win s, it would maybe have been a Intresting few rounds.
As others have said, Young would have the best chance, and should probably be favorite really. I would probably make prime Lyle favorite over him, but not by any huge margin. Cooney was probably always a bad match up for Norton.
I think with Norton, it's the same. He always had issues with punchers. Pre prime, in his prime and post prime. Lyle, I mean, he did nearly KO George Foreman so I suspect he may have to be favored over Cooney. The Young that beat Foreman beats Cooney.
Cooney KO's Norton and has nothing to fear from light-hitting Young. I think prime Lyle would be the only threat. He just has to land a thunderous right on Gentleman Gerry's left temple. Then watch the wheels come off.
