Joe Frazier and Ken Norton were stablemates, sparring partners and close friends

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Marciano Frazier, Aug 24, 2008.


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  1. Marciano Frazier

    Marciano Frazier Well-Known Member Full Member

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    When the subject of Joe Frazier "avoiding" opponents has been brought up by a couple of persistent detractors on these forums, I have repeated variants of this particular point countless times. Those on the other side of the debate- most notably Mendoza, who contributes a lot of good information and livelihood to the forums, but needs to address his opponents' arguments if he wants to be taken seriously in a debate- has failed entirely to even acknowledge that I have said anything, every single time I have said it. As a result, I am now devoting an entire thread to this point in hopes that he will at least acknowledge its existence. If anyone holding the view that Frazier "avoided" Norton replies on this thread, LET HIM RESPOND TO THIS INFORMATION:

    Ken Norton was Joe Frazier's sparring partner during his title reign, and those who saw them spar reportedly had no doubt that, were the two ever to meet in a real fight, Frazier would murder Norton. From 1973 onward, the two were stablemates under Eddie Futch. It would have been a silly move for their management to put their two top guys in the ring together and guarantee a loss for one of them without any particular pressing reason- not to mention awkward; who would get the usual cornermen, and who wouldn't? Furthermore, Frazier and Norton were good friends and had a personal aversion to fighting one another.
    Frazier writes in his autobiography, "Smokin' Joe," on page 80, in the second paragraph:
    According to "Ken Norton: the Black Hercules," by Rich Thomas:
    According to the CBZ article, "Bouts that never were: Joe Frazier vs. Ken Norton":
    This content is protected
     
    Marciano Frazier, Aug 24, 2008
    Marciano Frazier, Aug 24, 2008
    #1
  2. flamengo

    flamengo Coool as a Cucumber. Full Member

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    Clay and Ellis were trained Angelo Dundee... Ellis managed by Dundee also. Both men faught numerous exhibitions, and Clay won the N.A.B.F H/W Tilte (vacant) from Ellis KO 12 in 1971.

    Why not Frazier/Norton... it offered a fantastic outcome..

    Clearly the above post has put the question to bed, although, it reamains the missing link reagrding Foreman, Norton, Ali and Frazier.
     
    flamengo, Aug 25, 2008
    flamengo, Aug 25, 2008
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  3. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    There is no doubt that Joe would have been able to get up for this one, were it made.

    I wonder would Ken have been able to focus? He would have needed to...

    Nice post.
     
    McGrain, Aug 25, 2008
    McGrain, Aug 25, 2008
    #3
  4. Mendoza

    Mendoza Hrgovic = Next Heavyweight champion of the world. banned Full Member

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    Boxing history is full of stable mates fighting each other in a prize ring. Don King does it all the time.

    Frazier was a fighter. He once said, I don't care if your my own brother, if you ring the ring I'm taking you out "
     
    Mendoza, Aug 25, 2008
    Mendoza, Aug 25, 2008
    #4
  5. My dinner with Conteh

    My dinner with Conteh Tending Bepi Ros' grave again Full Member

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    A bloke who says "That's how I like to see a man taken out, like a warrior" when his son was blown away by Tyson doesn't seem the type of geezer that would turn this one down at all.
     
    My dinner with Conteh, Aug 25, 2008
    My dinner with Conteh, Aug 25, 2008
    #5
  6. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I suppose his kids didn't come crying to him when they scrubbed their knees...
     
    Bokaj, Aug 25, 2008
    Bokaj, Aug 25, 2008
    #6
  7. My dinner with Conteh

    My dinner with Conteh Tending Bepi Ros' grave again Full Member

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    Brown vs Blocker was sad to see, mates since they were kids, basically forced to fight to make decent money (which they probably saw about 8% of). And buried a few fights down on one of King's 'Tyson' bills. I didn't enjoy that at all.
     
    My dinner with Conteh, Aug 25, 2008
    My dinner with Conteh, Aug 25, 2008
    #7
  8. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    I think that would depend upon Ken. If Frazier got well attatched to his sparing partners. He liked to beat them up, as you know. But there are stories that he would feel bad about this and lose money to them at dice, on purpose, make sure they stayed around for dinner, **** like that.

    If Norton wanted to fight Joe, I think that he would take the attitude you are hinting at.
     
    McGrain, Aug 25, 2008
    McGrain, Aug 25, 2008
    #8
  9. My dinner with Conteh

    My dinner with Conteh Tending Bepi Ros' grave again Full Member

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    Yeah, I agree. I don't think this contest is an issue really. If Frazier was still champ in 74 then they would likely have fought, but no reason when both were in position for title shots. Futch would have kept Norton away from Joe anyway, just like he wouldn't let Kenny fight Foreman.
     
    My dinner with Conteh, Aug 25, 2008
    My dinner with Conteh, Aug 25, 2008
    #9
  10. Chaney

    Chaney Mystery and Imagination Full Member

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    In his autobiography, Joe says he caught his usually very well mannered son bullying some kid.

    His punishment: not a spanking but taken to the gym and forced to box against Smokin' Joe to taunts of "See, you don't like it when somebody bigger than you hits back, do ya?" The kid was terrified, whimpering "Please daddy, I didn't mean it!"

    Its fair to say that if Smokin' Joe was your dad, you'd be very well behaved...
     
    Chaney, Aug 25, 2008
    Chaney, Aug 25, 2008
    #10
  11. My dinner with Conteh

    My dinner with Conteh Tending Bepi Ros' grave again Full Member

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    That was the Tyson fight wasn't it? :hey
     
    My dinner with Conteh, Aug 25, 2008
    My dinner with Conteh, Aug 25, 2008
    #11
  12. Chaney

    Chaney Mystery and Imagination Full Member

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    Poor Marvis was much too nice to be a fighter. I think he is a preacher, now?
     
    Chaney, Aug 25, 2008
    Chaney, Aug 25, 2008
    #12
  13. PowerPuncher

    PowerPuncher Loyal Member Full Member

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    Do you blame Vitali for ducking Wlad?
     
    PowerPuncher, Aug 25, 2008
    PowerPuncher, Aug 25, 2008
    #13
  14. PowerPuncher

    PowerPuncher Loyal Member Full Member

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    Classic :lol:
     
    PowerPuncher, Aug 25, 2008
    PowerPuncher, Aug 25, 2008
    #14
  15. sthomas

    sthomas Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Frazier and Norton should have fought around 74'-75'when rebounding from Foreman. They could have made some good cash. I don't buy Frazier saying he wouldn't fight Norton cause they were buddies, it just doesn't match his personality. Far less intense guys as Frazier have fought their friends. The trainer thing could have been worked out.
     
    sthomas, Aug 25, 2008
    sthomas, Aug 25, 2008
    #15
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