Mismatch. Norfolk by KO. Bigger, stonger and better. He basically defeated Greb twice and Greb was light years ahead of Ketchel.
Perhaps you underestimate Ketchels chances. While he was naturaly somewhat bigger than Ketchel it should be noted that Ketchels power carried up to heavyweight prety effectivley. For whatever its worth most contemporaries would probably have picked Ketchel.
Possible but I don't think I underestimate Ketchel. I think many simply under rate Norfolk. Norfolk was the bigger man and the stronger man. Ketchel was a demon but he was hitable. I see Norfolk as simply too much.
You are quite right to say that Norfolk is underrated. I personaly consider him to be one of the best ever at 175. While Ketchel is smaller and less technicaly sound (I think) he is probably more durable than Norfolk and his power is off the scale for a middleweight. Dan Porky Flyn was a prety decent heavyweight contender and Ketchel just walked through him.
IMHO both guys would be right there for each other. I have an 18 min film of Norfolk against Bill Tate, he continually presses the action with the bigger man...His punch of choice is a leaping left hook. It would be a vicious fight, but I believe I'd go with Norfolk to outpoint Ketchel in fifteen rounds. I like Norfolk's activity.It was said that Ketchel was inhuman the way he took punishment, so it goes the full route.(IMO)
I'll go with Ketchel-the Hall of Famer the one who put down Jack Johnson (who was 30 pounds heavier!) and defeated 3 other Hall of Famers, invented a punch and all before the age of 24!
I think a prime, motivated Ketchel, like the one that showed up against Papke in their third fight, would win. Though Nofolk might have to beat him once to give Ketchel the proper motivation.
Look Ketchel is an all timer to me ... exceptional will to win, great power, terrific stamina, tough as nails ... and Norfolk, while great was noT Sam Langford ... who knows ... without DPW came up with a hell of a match up .
I think Ketchell's will to win was beyond exceptional. I mean, the only times he was stopped were after an 12 round battering by a fellow ATG middleweight, and when he got KO'd cold by a 205 pound Jack Johnson.
I'll go with Kid Norfolk he beat better fighters and was more tested although that is also due to Ketchel early passing. But from what I've read I think Kid Norfolk would win in a very rought fight probably a decision.
I'll take Norfolk at 175, even though Ketchel was still good and effective moving up, Ketchel's power could still be a factor imo, not to be taken lightly as most guys here well know. It's my opinion that Ketchel was a greater fighter though.
