Prime: Holmes - Norton

That's a more feasible conclusion than has generally been contemplated. Larry actually made his name here by slugging Ken to a standstill in the closing seconds, after racing to that huge early lead. Holmes had been dominant over Shavers mostly by sticking and flying around the ring perimeter counterclockwise. He wasn't expected to be able to stand and trade with Norton late though, especially as it was Kenny who had recent 15 round experience. Holmes would flatten Evangelista for the full count with a single overhand right in his first defense, and Alfredo had reasonable durability. Looking at his following defenses against Ocasio, Weaver (a stoppage caused as the result of a single right uppercut), Shavers and Zanon (the second and last clean knockout of his reign), this was clearly the version of Holmes most likely to stop Norton if he was ever going to be able to do it.

 

This is taking things a bit off topic, but frankly, I think Norton's KO of the 38-0 olympian Bobick, was unbelievable.. Of course, this win is probably overlooked by the fact that Duane would lose early to a few other fighters of lesser prestige than Norton, but that does not take away the fact that Ken was the first to do it... He may very well have ruined Bobick for those other guys... He was facing a man who was young, undefeated, could punch, had an excellent amateur pedegree, and great public confidence....

 

It was a huge shock at the time, and it elevated Norton's prestige immensely. Despite having broken Ali's jaw, Ken's reputation for power did not match his imposing physique until he completely broke form and wiped Bobick out within a minute. After Holmes, he stiffened up and flattened out a very reputable prospect in Randy Stephens with a single right, wetting viewer appetites for a rematch with Larry. Norton had always been excellent at accumulation, but his final three stoppage wins over Bobick, Zanon (not that this means much, given Zanon's chin) and Stephens may have been his most impressive displays of individual punch power. (He did buckle Ali's knee with a body shot in their second fight though.)

Duane was really exposed by Ken as a slow starter, and Stevenson had previously demonstrated that he was susceptible to a crushing right. John Tate later exploited the knowledge provided by that to the hilt, charging out of his corner at the opening bell, and blasting Bobick with four consecutive right hand leads.

Bobick was still just 29 years old at the end of his career, and in the best shape of his life, under 210 pounds. (He was still derided as big but hardly intimidating with all that baby fat hanging down. Not many 6'3" world class heavyweights under 210 could be found today though.)

 

Holmes all the way. Norton gets outclassed.

 

I hate to say it but the script for beating Bobick was unveiled at the end of his amateur career. Duane had no answer for a puncher like Teo Stevenson.
Duane did not really develop a good defense as a pro and was KO'd after by Knoetzee. Cooney was another frail guy but if you wanted to rush him, you had to get past the hook (which was potent indeed) Duane did not really have substantial power and thus had nothing to hold Ken off with. I do give Ken credit for the RUSH and it was a perfect way to fight Bobick. I agree it was his best win after ALI 1, Quarry was a shell of himself. I met Jerry and was friendly with Mike Quarry and Mike said Jerry was toast before the loss to Norton. His outside of the ring late blooming Lifestyle and partying girlfriend were too much at that stage of his career.

 

How any three round amateur champion with Bobick's resume could evolve into as slow a punch for pay starter as he did has always mystified me a bit. Ditto for Mike Spinks. (I don't really include Frazier among this company, because Smoke actually was able to start quickly against Ziggy, Daniels and Ramos, and threw 64 punches in the opening round of the first Quarry fight. Even though completely unprepared, he did get out of the opening round in Kingston as well. Joe was seldom at his best in the opening round against anyone not named Zyglewicz, but I don't consider him to have been as genuinely slow a starter as he's been stereotyped as.)

Granted, Jerry was shot by the time Norton got to him. To a certain extent, I try to tune him out, and just focus on what Ken was doing, watching his legs and footwork, the execution of his jab, the speed of his hands and other details.

Duane was really a body punching attrition specialist who grew more confident and potent with each succeeding round. He and Frazier would have made for an interesting fight, as Joe didn't really have the right to bother Bobick much. (Of course this is a fantasy matchup, as Joe was well past prime when Duane came up the ranks.)

 

Good post