Gerrie Coetzee vs Ken Norton, Prime For Prime.

That's a really interesting matchup. I think I'd go with Norton by decision. I think he might outwork Coetzee. However, I admit my decision might change tomorrow.

 

Yes, and he put it all together, ignoring all his head problems, like his ultra negative dad, hand troubles, etc.,..even developed a left hook to enhance his bionic right...and it all came together for him in that fight.

 

He got something of a hook by Dokes. He did have surprisingly light, mobile feet. He was in shape. But his power seemed to be more legend than reality.

 

Leaning towards Norton with Coetzee a live underdog. Gerrie was a decent boxer with a good punch and good timing. He could, however, suffer from fatigue issues later in fights. Norton we all know about.

 

I might have to go with Gerrie Coetzee, he knocked out guys who had a chin, sent them to the twilight zone! best for best, could be a very tough fight to call. Norton's not gonna be fighting an 11 day or less trained Quarry, or just go in with overhand rights and blow the guy away (Bobick).

 

Mentioning that LeDoux-Norton fight, thats not only got the Fighting Frenchman, a top ten ranking and title shot. Norton was very fortunate that it was not stopped with him dangling on the ropes, making Scott, the new "Washer Woman"

 

Prime-for-prime, I've got to pick Norton. Gerrie didn't carry that early KO power he showed against Leon Spinks against other top guys. And except for Foreman, Shavers, and Cooney, Norton held up against decent punchers and was a level or two above Coetzee in the boxing ability department. (The Garcia fight was a pre-prime fluke, IMO). That said, if Coetzee gets himself in the tremendous shape he did for Dokes, which he only did once, he might have a shot.

I've said before I don't really like time-machine fights. So as far as when they could have met, when they were both active boxers, Norton takes it for sure any time before 1979, Coetzee probably takes it between 1979 and 1980, and Coetzee takes it for sure in 1981.

 

Had the Norton - LeDoux fight happened in July 1979 in San Diego, as originally scheduled before Norton pulled out with an injury, it would've been the first professional fight that I saw live. I was staying down in San Diego with my godparents. Norton-LeDoux was announced for the Sports Arena and tickets were as low as $5 IIRC, so 12-year-old me could afford to go. I was so excited. Gerry Cooney was boxing an exhibition on the undercard, and I was already a fan. I was so disappointed when Norton pulled out and the card was cancelled.

I think Norton pulled out with a rib injury. I wonder how much it affected his performance when they met a month later in Minnesota?

 

Great story Coryell had his sports store just down the street, it had everything!

 

I think it's a close fight, but Ken does enough in the last round to pull out a close unanimous decision,something like 8-7 or even 9-6 rin rounds.