Ken Norton vs Oliver McCall

I went with Norton by decision. I realize that a McCall win isn’t entirely out of the question

 

Norton in most cases.

 

Norton on points. Would be hard fought but Ken just a little too good every department except for the chin.

Oliver is one tough hombre but apart from his blast out of Lewis he was more a wear them down merchant.

He barely beat a 45 year old Holmes and lost to Tony Tucker, Frank Bruno, Buster Douglas, Orlin Norris and Mike Hunter.

He struggled with Lionel Butler and Jesse Ferguson.

Norton beat Ali, Young, Quarry and gave Holmes and Ali in 2 other fights fits. Different level.

 

Norton, by decision obviously.

 

McCall by early ko, Chinny Kenny gets thrashed again.

 

Norton was down against Harold Dutra (197 lbs), Jimmy Gilmore, and Aaron Eastling(191 lbs). These are just the ones listed on BoxRec, before he fought the "names." He might have been down in more of those early fights. Norton struggled with Jack O'Halloran a year before he beat Ali, the same O'Halloran who had been knocked out by Jack Bodell a year before.

McCall had excellent stamina, OM could knock KN out early or late. KN was usually bigger and more athletic than his opponents in the 70s, he would not have those advantages against OM. OM had lifestyle issues that affected his mental preparation for fights but he always had power, toughness, strength, and stamina. That would be enough to beat KN.

 

O'Halloran was one tough guy,though. He DID face Superman.

 

Norton soundly outboxes and outpoints McCall. Ken different class as a boxer.

 

Best of Norton outclasses any version of McCall, Norton is one of the most underrated fighters imo, it’s one of those, he just doesn’t fare well against certain styles, which is precise power punchers or relentless power punchers, because he lost to some non-elite guys, people underrate him, but those fights were mostly down to styles, McCall isn’t usually precise and wasn’t amazing at setting up power punches, he was tough, durable and had a decent punch, but Norton would certainly be able to predict his rhythm, get inside, beat him up-close, get his head on his chest, work the body, push him off, get the left hook in, and would be able to out jab him in the front foot, don’t see the overhand right working as well for Norton in this fight as McCall was decent at seeing the right hand coming and was able to pull away from it over the shoulder quite well.

 

Dangerous fight for Norton he couldn't fight on the back foot and he would be up against a bigger man with an iron chin who has the power to finish him.

Norton could outbox McCall but theres also a chance McCall catches Norton late on and Norton doesn't recover.