Ken Norton vs Michael Spinks at Heavywt

I actually like Norton here. He had a good style to beat boxers who lacked the power to back him up. He'd put on pressure, pound Spinks' body and grind him down.

 

I favor Norton solidly. He thrived fighting boxers without the huge punch. Spinks would not have the power to worry him in any way shape or form. Norton fought quite evenly with post exile Ali and ran a young Holmes close when well past his prime. He was a far more dangerous proposition than the aged Holmes Spinks beat and Holmes really beat Spinks in the rematch when he arrived in tip top condition.

The biggest problem for Norton would be without his great strategist Eddie Futch.

I could see Spinks trying to fight similar to how he did vs Holmes. Norton would persue throughout, parrying much of Spinks flurries and throwing enough of his own to get the job done. Norton had some pretty good power and this would probably keep Spinks from getting too ambitious. He could absolutely hurt Spinks and has a very impressive KO rate in his wins.

Over 15 i reckon he would have Spinks in some trouble late.

 

Spinks was good but the Norton of 1973 would probably thrash him.

 

Norton's best opposition is those who run from him.

He has very good power so most won't stand and trade, but those who did could back him up and beat him at his own game.

His over the top right and body punching is perfect for grinding down the opposition if they're on the back foot.

Now Spinks is probably the quickest of foot hell have faced given that Ali had lost a step and young was slow as snails.

Will the advantage in foot speed allow Spinks to dance for a full 15 rounds? I doubt it. At some point he'll have t stand his ground and I can't see him competing with Norton in terms of strength and power.

Not on by late tko or 9-6 type decision .

 

Norton by kayo. Spinks was rocked badly by a past it Holmes. Norton would wear him down.

 

Spinks could maybe squeeze a decision. He could use parts of what holmes, ali and young did to norton.

 

Norton would destroy him .. if you could not freeze Ken early you're beaten .. Norton gave a terrific Ali and Holmes absolute hell .. Spinks would be stopped.

 

Norton quite easily. Spinks may cause problems in the opening couple of rounds but from then on it's all Ken.


Norton tko within five.

 

Do you rate Young higher than spinks at hw?

 

Norton is 1" taller and has the longer reach by 4"... Pretty much the same "advantages" Holmes had. Norton would be heavier by about 10 Lbs. heavier and the much more solid fighter. Norton weighed 210, 205, and 217 1/2 vs. Ali. He was 218 1/2 vs. Quarry. He was 215 1/2 vs. Young. He was 220 vs. Holmes.

Spinks was quick and awkward. Norton was not slow and he did well fighting against guys who boxed well. Norton fought Ali x3, Young, and Holmes... he went 2-3 vs. these men but all 5 of these fights were close. He also stopped Quarry (KO5), Henry Clark, Boone Kirkman, Jose L. Garcia, Pedro Lovell, Ron Stander, Larry Middleton, Duane Bobick, and Lorenzo Zanon among others.

 

Norton W15 by the way.

 

This is a much tougher fight to call than most. Norton had the awkward style that bothered Ali but Spinks was not only awkward but illusive and quicker than Norton. Norton even though built like Hercules was no huge puncher in fact he tended many times to slap open glove with his shots. I would say Norton was heavy handed rather than a ko puncher. Spinks could bang also and I believe he had more than enough kick to hurt Ken. So you have a moving Spinks at the fights start hands high sliding to his right to move away from Nortons power punch. Norton jabs landing some missing others but Spinks has a nice jab also and is landing with it. He peppers Norton with quick bursts of combinations at times. Rounds go back and forth. Norton winning some on aggression while Spinks wins his rounds by outlanding Ken. Even fight after 10 rounds. Spinks picks up the pace 11-15 landing often his right over Nortons low left. Norton keeps pressing but is being outboxed. Decision win for Spinks in an upset. 8-7, 9-6 in rounds.

 

I'd favor Norton in a good fight, I think it would be back and forth and I feel Norton would break Spinks down late with his pressure and body attack.

 

Norton