Norton/Holmes - How Did You Score It

Also had Holmes by 3 rounds.

 

9-6 holmes, can make a case for 8-7 as some rounds were touch and go
norton left it too late to apply pressure and couldnt get inside holmes' jab

 

Holmes narrowly for me, maybe 2 points.

 

Same here.

But was I ever nervous waiting for the decision. I had a lot on Holmes for that bout & a factor with norton was that the guy was never the house fighter. Tough sledding for sure when you are in highly competitive matchups. But I thought it'd be an easy fight for Holmes and an easy night's work.

The big thing that surprised me was how that Norton bodywork slowed down Holmes and that huge advantage in mobility. I thought the bout was going to be exactly like that first Shavers bout & Larry would jab and turn an old Norton all night. I figured Kenny was not going to be within about a foot from where he needed to plant those feet to do anything. Larry sure dominated early but he definately came off his feet & didn't maintain that proper distance & pitchers mound he liked to fight from. Plus, that oddball Norton jab got more effective as the bout went on.

But like lots of fights, when the old guy meets the pedigreed up and comer, it's tough to win. I'm sure if the roles are reversed and it was a 1985 Holmes against a 73 Norton, he'd be the guy dropping the decision.

 

One thing get gets lost in Norton's discussions was his body punching. Norton was a very good body puncher. Some of his body punches hurt Ali, who took as good as body shot as anyone.