Joe Fraizer vs. Ken Norton

Now for the differences. Naturally, their styles are different. Frazier is the quintessential pressure fighter, where Norton LOOKS more powerful but fights with a much more reluctant style. Norton has power but he never really used it to it's fullest potential. He always fought as if he worried about retaliation. Frazier fought as if he never cared for his own safety.

There lies the difference between Frazier and Norton. Neither man can take a man out with just one punch. But, while Norton fights a calculated chess match, Frazier has only one gear, forward.

Norton would not hurt Frazier with his power for two reasons. Reason one, if Frazier can get up SIX times, against Foreman, it's not likely that he's even going down at all, against Norton. Reason two, Norton would not take the necessary chances to put Frazier down. He's too concerned with retaliation.

Norton's concerns will be answered in the middle rounds. He would not meet Frazier at ring center, although it would appear that he might have the upper hand. Once Frazier survives Norton's first solid shots --and, again, he certainly will survive them-- he will then press forward with no regard for his safety or for retaliation. Once Norton realizes he will not stop Frazier, he fights in retreat mode, the worst thing you could ever do against Frazier.

Once this happens, Joe will make SURE your back finds the ropes, then a corner, then he will plant you there........for the duration.

Norton wins rounds 1 and 2. Frazier establishes a measure of dominance in round 3. Norton does have heart but he's just too cautious. He wins round 4, but, by round's end, Smokin' Joe is fully revved up. It's just a matter of time, once Norton's back finds those ropes.

Frazier by KO in 8

 

The Frazier from 1969 - 1971 stops Norton. Too much pressure.

 

prime Frazier was a mini-monster and knew how to put on the pressure. I like Frazier strongly in this one and I think he can take Ken out pretty early-Frazier = pressure-power-Frazier KO 2

 

Ken Norton simply didn't match up well with big punchers. Joe Frazier would have taken Norton out very quickly.

- Chuck Johnston

 

Pretty much the case .. Joe stops him after a few rounds ..