I think i intimated in that thread that this would be rather interesting...and see no reason to revise that opinion as i think it's no coincidence that Kenny gave great boxers absolute hell, he could have a chase on his hands as even Larry Middleton took some Track-to-Whack time, unlike the Dempsey match i do think Kenny's physical advantages will proves crucial, Tunney can not in my opinion blast Kenny out, he may even find it hard to discourage Norton's advance for any length of time, If Ken attack's Gene like he did Ali in those first two encounters, then i think Gene is shackled in defence a lot, moving not to get caught in the trenches that Norton is happy to drag mobile boxers, Gene is very intelligent with his movement and output, so i think he will survive and perhaps make it a close run thing, perhaps Norton will catch him with that uncultured overhand right and have him over, more Tunney movement required to thwart any termination follow-up by Norton, I think Kenny's Style allied to his Size Advantages wins it for Kenny, Certainly Gene will not relish those Norton Hooks to the Body, Kenny Closely on Points ..........
I do not give Norton too much of a chance vs Dempsey but this would be a competitive fight with Gene because of styles....Gene had great legs and that would keep him at a distance and keep Ken at bay but Norton was always good being the chaser and would put the pressure on Gene....Gene had power though and speed of hand he could catch and hurt Norton but I think this one goes the distance with Gene winning a tough,close UD
Norton was very good vs boxers..I'll give him that. Tunney's saving grace is his orthodoxy..he was more by the book than Ali..and he hit harder IMO than Ali, though he was not as big and less strong of course.Tunney's mobility would help him as would his grade A chin...man I don't know yet. I lean towards Tunney by a close decision, but not with any great conviction yet.
Jimmy Young's bout with Kenny comes to my mind here. Though not having much that Gene possesed, Jimmy stayed in the pocket for much of the fight with straight sharp shots and it was a very close bout to score. Add Gene's movement and all around ability and I have to give it to Tunney in a close bout.
Tunney by close decision. Norton was bigger and stronger and punched harder but Tunney could deal with it. Tunney was the better boxer. Tunney, Marciano, and Bowe are the only Lineal HW Champs who were never stopped. Valuev, Ibragimov, and Toney were never stopped either.
Coincides with what I feel about this one. Ken's greater physicality and sheer strength earns him a clear albeit hard fought decision.
Norton would be too much for Tunney, too big and the style of a low hands boxer without great power suits him down to the ground
Norton wins easily. Wasn't Tunney just an overblown lt.heavyweight? Norton would have too many guns and either win decision or stop him late.
Hard one to call. Tunney would not give up much height here, and had a 77" reach himself. Tunney could move and box while going backward to to his side. The key here is can Norton match it? Not sure. Tunney had the better chin here, and IMO would be able to hurt Norton a bit easier than Norton could hurt him. I'd go with Tunney here, based on his smarts, but it would be a close match up.
People do under-rate Tunney's punch power sometimes I think. Lets not forget he knocked down Dempsey, albeit Dempsey was not at his best and Tunney did not finish him. Norton would have some success, he is a huge athlete even for a heavyweight of his era and had a solid jab. I think Tunney has enough to keep Norton honest, like Quarry did. Then when it came to Norton pouring it on as the fight wears on I think Tunney plays it safe and wins by decision.
Tunney was one of the greatest fighters who ever lived. Norton was not. Tunneys right hand lands often over Kens low left and Gene could hit with that punch. Nortons looping right misses often as Gene see's it coming from a mile away. It goes 15 with Tunneys movement and counterpunching giving him a decisive win 10-5 in rounds.
