Gene Tunney v Ken Norton

I see Tunney staying one step ahead of the foot dragging Marine.
Heeney doesn't look that small here.

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Although Norton usually did well against boxers, Tunney would completely outclass him. Gene would win, IMO, every round and earn a lop-sided decision.

 

Ken Norton to win comfortably by UD.

 

Gene Tunney by UD or possible late stoppage. Tunney used his legs better than almost any heavy pre Ali and was a pin point puncher. He had enough zip to drop Dempsey and had his two fights with the Mauler been scheduled for 15 rounds there is a good chance he stops Jack. Then in his final defense he made quick work of Heeney a stout challenger. Point being Tunney was just entering his prime when he hung up the gloves. Prime Tunney takes it over Norton.

 

how come those ESB theorists who claim 'fatboys of the 21st century beat legends of the past because boxing has evolved' aren't supporting Norton over tunney? since Norton fought 40 years ahead in time, plenty of evolution there!

is it cos Norton is black and tunney is white.

 

I think Norton has the tools to beat Tunney.

I suspect that Tunney would be savvy enough not to take the figth, unless Norton held the title.

 

Tunney to out smart Norton. Norton's size to make Tunney defensive. Norton has extremely under rated skills, but that is another thread. This could close & difficult match to score. I voted draw.

 

Not at all. It is because Tunney was great and Norton was not-so-great. And, by the way, boxing has not evolved, it has devolved.

 

Norton would have beaten him up ..

 

Norton can box with Tunney due to his reach advantage, but Tunney can't hang with Norton up close. Norton in an easier match than most here would believe.

Tunney was not a tried-and-true tested heavyweight force. His entire reputation is based on controlling one fearsome fighter. I don't believe for a second he'd cause Jack Johnson the same problems he did Dempsey, and he doesn't cause Norton that many problems either.

Heck, I'd bet on Shavers vs Tunney.

 

I agree with Shake. While Dempsey was in many ways more dangerous than Norton, Kenny was far more complex. And he was a full-sized modern-day heavy. I'd pick him not only these things, but on Tunney having the style that Ken usually excelled against.

 

I really like Tunney but not in this match-up.

There is just nothing in his resume to say he could beat a well schooled elite boxer of that size and dimensions. Plus, as noted, Norton had the style to foil jab first, light-footed boxers. Sure, Norton had his slip ups but we are taking the best version of each, I assume.

 

Agree with the posters who have chosen Norton. Norton would outpoint Tunney.

 

It's incredible that some people think that a man who was gifted with a draw against Ledoux could beat Tunney.