I've always really liked Witherspoon (when he was in shape), and always thought he had the skills and chin (that 2nd Bonecrusher fight was as much about being ill-prepared and just getting caught) to be even better than he was. I see Norton and Witherspoon as having such similar styles -- their defense, the jab, left hooks (though Witherspoon had that overhand right that he looped all over the place). I definitely think that Witherspoon could be out-worked, and despite my earlier praise, I think Norton would outwork him through 12 and claim a close decision.
Tim probably had the inherent ability to beat Norton but not the discipline to maintain the necessary workrate to do so, Tim may jar Kenny with that overhand right from time to time...but Kenny could return the compliament, in between Ken's Left hooks to the Body may keep Tim under wraps, Tim looks for a slower pace in which to pick his spots...Bonecrusher smith fight 1 pace...And Kenny does not give him that... Tim has exciting "Hitting-Back" intermittent spells, Then its Kenny coming back and carrying the fight..Tim uses 60% of his more natural talent, Kenny squeezes out 90% of his hard work talent...and desire..., Kenny wins on points..
I think the best version of Witherspoon knocks out the best Norton. The problem is that Norton was at least more consistent than Witherspoon. But since you specified prime vs prime. I picked Spoon, who I think is very underrated (but thats his own fault).
Height and reach was similar. Witherspoon weighed a little more but if he got ripped up he'd probably weigh less. Both had good skills and power. Both got stopped a few times. I'll give Witherspoon the edge in power with his big overhand right. I'll give Witherspoon the edge in overall boxing ability but Norton was the more accurate and snappier puncher (if that makes sense). I'll give Norton the edge in stamina and strength. Witherspoon decisioned- R. Snipes MD10, Floyd Cummings W10, G. Page MD12, Bonecrusher Smith W12 (near shut out), T. Tubbs WMD12, Ribalta WMD10, Williams WSD12, and Cole W10 (shut out) among others. He lost close decisions to- L. Holmes LSD12, P. Thomas LMD12, Ray Mercer L10, and Monte Barrett LSD10 among others. He knocked out- A. Ratliff KO7, J. Tillis KO1, J. Broad KO2, F. Bruno KO11, J. Gonzalez KO5, and D. Wilson KO2 among others. He was stopped by Bonecrusher Smith KO1 (3 knockdown rule) in their rematch... he was clearly past prime in his other stoppage losses. We talk about what Norton did everyday. He gave Ali 3 tough fights, he lost a SD to Holmes, he won a close decision over Young... he also stopped Quarry, Kirkman, Stander, Middleton, Clark, Garcia, and others. Sure, Foreman stopped him in two. Foreman also stopped Frazier in 2. No shame. Foreman was way better than Bonecrusher. Tough call either way but I favor Norton by decision.
Never liked Spoon...lazy fighter. In his prime Norton outworks him, bloodies him, beats him up over 15 to win it unanimously.
Tim Ko Norten. At their best. Tim could be slick when he wanted, like against Holmes. UI see similarities with Jimmy young in Tim, except with massive power. Tim outboxes Kenny, confuses him, then knocks him out. Cold!
I wouldn`t put too much stock in that 2nd Bonecrusher Smith/Witherspoon fight. That`s one fight Im fairly certain was thrown by Witherspoon. Anyway both guys in top shape Id give Witherspoon the edge in chin and slightly more power. I think he catches Kenny and gets the stoppage.
Very close fight. It's likely that Ken's hand is raised at the end of twelve/fifteen tough rounds owing to his better conditioning.
Norton doesn't have the chin that Witherspoon has, nor does he have the punch that Witherspoon has.However, Witherspoon doesn't have tendency to keep in shape that Ken did, and Tim would be worn down by Ken's bodywork.But, when the smoke clears, Ken will have won a hardfought decision win over 15.
Prime for prime, I think Witherspoon would win a decision over Norton. Similar styles, a good match-up.
