I actually think this is a dangerous fight for Norton, if he can get out of the first few rounds, he would wear Moorer down and stop him, but Moorer could plant his feet, use his quick hands, explosiveness and power and has a great punch selection, set ups and doesn’t telegraph, which were things that often gave Norton trouble because he had a passive defence and you can’t rely on the block against that arsenal, but I do think Norton survives it more often than not as Moorer didn’t have the size of a Cooney to really jump on Norton and trap him, but Moorer certainly could do him early to mid rounds, because if Norton gets hurt once, he’s in serious trouble. Who wins this matchup?
Norton is one of the few orthodox fighters i can think of who could reduce the effectiveness of Moorer's fantastic southpaw jab. Of course its very hard to tell as i don't know if Norton actually faced any left handers. But the crab defense would probably allow him to catch some of Moorer's jabs on the gloves. Norton's crouching and come forward style was perfect for landing left hooks and i have always felt Moorer was open to that punch. On top of that, the overhand right hand is right there for Norton. Offensively, Moorer has an excellent lead right hook that could cause a knockdown. Norton certainly has to look out for the lead hook. And even though orthodox fighters struggle vs the southpaw straight left, i don't think Moorer has a particularly powerful straight left hand. IMO Moorer will have some success early and Norton will start slow. However, unless Moorer can blast him out of there (unlikely), i think Norton's body punching, pressure and left hooks will be a bit too much. Moorer had a tendency to stand still at times and that doesn't work vs Norton unless you have Tyson like power. I don't think you can beat Norton unless you have the power to stop him from coming forward. And while Moorer was a good puncher at heavy, i don't think he was a Foreman or Shavers level puncher. The only other option is to move like Ali or Holmes and try to land as much volume as possible. Again, i don't think Moorer quite had the footspeed of Holmes or 31 year old Ali. Norton loses some early rounds but his pressure is too much, he knocks Moorer down with a left hook and wins a competitive but clear decision. Norton UD.
Should be a KO for Norton, but Michael's a strong puncher who could totally derail his plans. Kenny's the better fighter, but he might freeze up and get stopped. Most cases, Norton knockout or stoppage within something like 4 or 5 rounds.
I think Moorer s superior skill set and his southpaw give Kenny trouble. But he can't go Mind wondering or get drawn in to a shootout, cos Norton could bang. I think Moorer by close decision.
Norton more often than not, but Micheal is a threat to a lot of fighters. Kenny is just all around better if more awkward looking to most.
Kenny. tko between rounds 6-10. MM is not going to like that 2 fisted body attack whatsoever. He is not going to absorb that kind of body punishment and gets alligator arms real quick. The other factor I like is that under rated Norton jab. It was very effective and was hard to read. Plus that big advantage Kenny had in conditioning. Moorer does not fight for 3 minutes a round. He'd be forced to in this match and doing that subtracts from his offense. MM cannot afford to go in that shell of his against this guy & that wear and tear will show effects early. I think Moorer gets caught with his hands low trying to protect that body & Kenny comes through upstairs with one of those hard looping right hands of his. Temple shot.
