Ken Norton v the 80s Alaphabeti Spagheti

I think he beats most of them to be honest. I’d make Tim Witherspoon a favorite but the rest of them are “ maybes”

 

I think Tate and Weaver have the heart to bring Norton to round 15.

 

About how he did in his own time. Assuming Larry Holmes actually fights him, Norton also probably amasses a losing but close record against Larry prime for prime.

 

If Bonecrusher or Coetzee catch Norton early it could be curtain's for Norton, those fights are very dangerous for Norton. Both men are big punchers and could be dangerous early.

Norton should be able to beat boxers like Page, Tubbs, Thomas, Dokes. Norton dealt with better boxers in Ali, Holmes, so i see no reason why he doesn't beat all 4.

Weaver is a slow starter so no chance of Weaver catching Norton early, both men had good stamina and it would probably be a late distance fight. With Norton's slightly better workrate and stamina being the difference.

Berbick can't outmuscle Norton on the inside i see no case for Berbick winning this fight.

I don't know much about Tate outside of his loss to Weaver, but i would assume Norton stops him late on.

And finally Witherspoon vs Norton would be a great fight, two fighters who use the cross arm defence and have very good right hands. I think Norton's slightly better workrate would win him a decision in a close fight, but Witherspoon's overhand right would be a very dangerous weapon, and there is more of a possibility of Witherspoon stopping Norton than the other way around. But overall i'll give the edge to Norton in a close fight.

 

Often wondered this my self, Stevie.
If Kenny had come along later.
My pick s.

Tate, Ken by unanimous
Weaver, Ken by unanimous but it is a risky fight all the same.
Dokes. Could be a tough one. I'll say Norton by split decision.
Coetzee. Not with out risk again but I'll say Ken by late ko.
Witherspoon. I agree, great fight and Ken should get it but a toss up for me.
Thomas. Pinklon was a pretty good fighter and I'm undecided.
Page and Tubbs. Norton just gets by both on points.
Berbick. Kenny.
Smith. Should be Norton but Smith could bang so it's dangerous.

 

You pretty much see it the way i do, the reason why i don't think Thomas does well vs Norton. Is because Thomas's best weapon the jab wouldn't be that effective vs Norton, as you know Norton was a master at taking away great jabs and making boxers uncomfortable. So boxers like Thomas, Page, etc i don't see fairing too well against Norton honestly.

 

All wins unless otherwise noted; MD= majority decision

John Tate TKO in the late rounds
Mike Weaver TKO in 10
Mike Dokes TKO in 9
Gerrie Coetzee UD, with some shaky moments for sure
Tim Witherspoon Loses a MD, Spoon gives him shaky legs more than once but gets hit a lot.
Pinklon Thomas Wins a MD
Greg Page UD
Tony Tubbs UD
Trevor Berbick MD
James 'Bonecrusher' Smith Norton gets either knocked out in 3 or wins a UD

 

Probably the big punchers that Norton needs to be wary about. Weaver could hit, Boney and Coetzee too.

 

Weaver could hit but he was a very slow starter, so i think Norton would be fine once he warmed into the fight. It would probably be a very grueling tough fight, as both men were very good distance fighters.

And i agree Bonecrusher, Coetzee, would be very dangerous early with their power, especially Bonecrusher who at times has swarmed over opponents, and got them out of there early Weaver, Witherspoon.

 

I agree that’s possible. Witherspoon was dangerous WHEN he was in shape but that wasn’t consistent.

 

I think the idea that Ken Norton had a “ weak chin “ is too often overstated. No. He did not have a chin like Chuvalo or McCall. But it generally took a colossal hitter to stop him and most of his stoppages cam outside of prime. I don’t think he would be in terrible danger from guys like Berbick, Page, Dokes or even weaver

 

Same for Greg Page. He could've been something great but was too hot and cold to actualize his greatness.