Ken Norton vs. Floyd Patterson

Patterson too fast, sneaky, and punched too hard for Norten. Floyd mid rd KO.

 

Patterson KTFO Norton. Too fast, too heavy handed, and pretty technically sound and consistent with the pressure. Bad matchup for Ken.

 

DannyL,

I like the way you think.
Ken Norton in 7.
But lets give Mr. Patterson his due, he hurts Ken a couple of times.

 

I think if they fought four times, Norton would probably take one by stoppage. Three of four, Patterson has too much for him and wins one way or another.

 

I probably give Ken a better chance than most here. This is largely because I think his "weak chin" was more of a mental issue than a physical one. He seemed to tense up against physically imposing/intimidating fighters and lose all clues of defense.

Patterson is much faster and more skilled than all the guys who KO'd Kenny, but I think Norton would feel comfortable against him and deal with his punches as soemone with his physical stature should. Much like he did against Ali and Holmes.

For me this is a very even affair. Hard to pick a winner. If Norton can get going to the body, I think he wins it one way or the other.

 

:deal

Kenny is 65-35 betting-fav IMO.

 

I think, size, strength and reacxh disadvantages notwithstanding, that Floyd would have been too fast and explosive for Ken..an amazing performance would have resulted for Patterson, who would have found Ken's chin sometime around round 7 or 8 with a power shot and a followup flurry would have ended it.

 

I might be inclined to go with Norton in this fight. The only fighters who really bested Norton were either the very hardest of all time great punchers or the very best of boxers, and even the boxers picked up a loss every now and again against Ken. Patterson was no Muhammad Ali in the boxing department, and while he could crack was no Foreman or Shavers. Norton's crab like defense and hooking ability might prove to be problematic for the frequently floored Patterson, and the size difference would be rather significant as well.

 

I see Ken stopping Floyd in the latter rounds of a bout where advantage seesawed between both men,constantly. Norton's physicality would have prevailed.

 

I doubt it. Holmes was a pure boxer, while Patterson was sort of a boxer/puncher. I also don't know if I can see this going 15 rounds.

 

I can't picture that but I'm sure you have your reasons for making that connection. In what way do you mean, mate?

 

Oh. Well, that's fine with me. Patterson is more left than right and more hook than straight, if comparing to Holmes. You've got this orthodox guy and then this peek-a-boo hoodoo. They're both fast but pretty different. Also, not to nitpick, but Patterson had ATG hair, and Larry never did.