Ken Norton v the 80s Alaphabeti Spagheti

Even when Witherspoon had his best performance vs Holmes, for me was still fairly inconsistent with his workrate. Witherspoon lost a majority of the first 6 rounds not doing alot, then coasted in the last 2 rounds. For me Norton has superior stamina and workrate to Witherspoon, and barring a Witherspoon overhand right special. I think Norton wins a tough but clear cut decision over Witherspoon.

 

Probably 6-4

 

Smith was a strange fighter. He knocks down the limited Marvis Frazier and breaks his nose, but somehow contrives to lose the fight!

Then later on, he’s a late substitute to face the talented Tim Witherspoon…a fighter he’d already lost to… in the 1980s Heavyweight challenge, with the winner facing Iron Mike next. In what was a shock outcome, Bonecrusher battered Witherspoon to a KO defeat in the 1st round!
(That was a shame because I’d love to have seen Witherspoon vs Tyson back then.)

So I can quite conceivably see Smith KOing Norton too if he has those special Knockout gloves of his on…but more than likely he’d forget to wear them and lose.

 

Honestly i wouldn't of liked to have Witherspoon vs Tyson during that period, Witherspoon at that point in his career was going through the motions. He was lackluster in the Tubbs, Bruno, fights. His weight was all over the place, and the motivation wasn't there as he was getting robbed by Don King.

I don't think the fight would be any better, than any of the other 80s titlists/contenders Tyson fought at that time. Now if your talking about the Witherspoon in the Holmes fight, or the Witherspoon who dismantled Tillis in 1 round, that version of Witherspoon certainly gives Tyson a good argument.

 

Tb

You have a point. Despite being on a decent winning run, he wasn’t too impressive in some of those fights. I forgot how disinterested he appeared to be around that time…but the one round destruction he suffered at the hands of Smith should have reminded me.

But a fight against the new young KO kid on the block, Tyson might have reignited his old drive and energy.
Alas we were never to find out.

 

He has a very good chance of losing to all of them on there nights.

 

In Norton's prime ,he beats them all.