Ken Norton VS Evander Holyfield

I think Evander had enough power to Push the button on Norton, the fight would start out competitive but once Evander realizes that Norton cant fight backing up, he takes Ken out

 

Regarding stamina, that's an edge that definitely goes to Norton. I'm a major fan of Holyfield but over his career it's been frustrating to see how badly he can fade for a round or two midfight, and these are 10 and 12 rounders. I have a hunch that Evander overtrains and leaves too much in the gym.

Norton had incredible stamina for a full 15 rounds, one reason he gave Ali fits. Muhammad Ali, arguably, had the best stamina of any boxer in history. If an opponent could go to 10, Ali could manage 11 (gratuitous "Spinal Tap" reference). That's what gave Ali the narrowest of edges over Norton and Frazier, the toughest foes Ali ever faced over the full distance.

So, as Holyfield fans know, it all depends on which Evander shows up. He was notoriously unpredictable. Brilliant some nights, mediocre and uninspired others; plenty of gas for some bouts, half a tank for others.

In a 10-12 rounder, I give the edge to Holyfield. In a 15 rounder I'll give the nod to Norton by a narrow decision. But if Evander faded mid-fight, as he occasionally did, Norton would kayo Holyfield. Norton was an excellent finisher when he got his man in trouble.

 

Holyfield UD

 

Great fight, start to finish. Holyfield wins UD.

 

I'm in the minority here and will say that Norton wins via decision or late KO.
Holyfield wasn't a true heavyweight fighter that Norton was. Forget the George Foreman fight. Norton was scared before he left the dressing room. He watched his sparring partner get whupped by Foreman and I think this affected his performance. Norton had a good jab and was a solid body puncher as well. One thing is for sure, these two heavyweights had the best physiques probably in the history of the sport.

 

I'd pick Holy by close decision.

But not every time.

 

norton SD

 

This is a very close fight. But Holyfield would edge it by a close UD.

 

Think that people are being too harsh on kenny, norton by decision.

 

Holy, by tight UD.

 

Holyfield backs him up and wins a fairly wide UD (117-111) or so.

 

Norton was at his best against technical boxers that weren't big punchers, so Holyfield would definitely be a good opponent for him (he had a decent punch, but not like Foreman or Shavers). Really hard fight to call. For one thing it depends on wether it's 12 or 15 rounds since Kenny was trained for 15 and Holy for 12. Over 15 I think Norton's superior stamina nicks it for him, but over 12 Holyfield's somewhat better overall technique and arsenal might be decisive.

BUT imo Norton had the better jab and since Holyfield worked off the jab this could off-set him enough for Norton to get a decision. Also, if Holyfield turned it into a brawl, like he liked to do sometimes, it would favour Norton imo since he had the better stamina and the chin to take Holyfield's punches.

All in all I have Norton as a slight favourite. Hard to call, though, but I don't think it would end in a KO for either fighter in any case.

 

Holyfield would knock Norton out. Holyfield had trouble with bigger fighters (Lewis, Bowe) that had jabs and powerful shots. I don't even see Kenny Norton hurting Holyfield. Norton was successful against Ali, because Ali fought backing up. Holyfield fights coming forward which means they would probably brawl.... and we all know that favors Holyfield.

Holyfield by KO or TKO... who ever mentioned Michael Moorer earlier in this post.... don't forget what happened in the rematch. In both fights Holyfield knocked Moorer down a combined 5 or 6 times.

 

If Norton had ever defended his "title" he would have moved up to a
different level.

Holyfield won a lot of championship fights.

Gotta go with Holy by UD.