Thoughts on Ken Norton?

I have him in the top 30-40 range. Might be a little low for some. I just don’t think he has the record to stack up to others. He had a great style that made it difficult for people like Ali and Holmes. That’s still a great fighter in my book just not all time.

his resume is thin as is. If no Ali win he probably doesn’t make top 75.

 

Ken Norton was no worse than the third or fourth best heavyweight throughout most of the 1970s, and you could make the case he was the #1 heavyweight for a year or two.

Very good heavyweight.

Probably beats more heavyweight champions all time than he loses to.

His reputation was made when he broke Ali's jaw and won their first fight. So I don't know how you can ask what it changes if he lost. It changes everything. That's the fight that led to everything else. If you don't have that fight, then the doors that did open ... don't.

He was a relative unknown presented with a golden opportunity to fight on national television against the biggest name in the sport and he seized it. And he won. And he broke "opportunity's" jaw.

It was huge. It made headlines around the world. None of Norton's fights before that did.

 

A very good fighter who could give masterboxers such as Ali and Holmes a very tough night. His Achilles Heel being murderous punching types such as Foreman. His bouts with Muhammad and Larry are the ones he'll justifiably be remembered for.

I rate him in the all time 20 heavyweights and a Top 5 one for the 1970s.

 

His legacy is that he drove Ali nuts. Ali never convincingly defeated him in 3 attempts.
Outside of that- his resume is awfully light. Quarry was over the hill. And Jimmy Young many ppl deserved the win. I felt Holmes edged him pretty cleanly but that’s just my opinion.
He didn’t just lose to big punchers he got destroyed. Not escaping beyond the second round against Foreman, Shavers and Cooney is a bad look.
Fun fighter, looked like Hercules in the ring and could give a tough nights work to any boxer without a big punch. I tend to believe he is somewhat overrated.

 

Norton was great fighter. but it depends how the fights get score. some have him lose to Holmes clear. some have him lose to Jimmy Young. I saw Holmes fight even draw or even close for Norton wib and had him win with Young and also 2 win with Ali. but all were close. some might have him lose most. this could adjust the perceive of his greatness

 

also he was past the best for Holmes and it was peak prime Holmes.

 

Holmes was fighting with a confirmed arm injury.

 

for me Ken Norton represents ALL Great Contenders and TOP Noted fighters, HE Could, given the chance and so could all the rest!

I loved him and always routed for him... I might have to watch him again soon.

 

I’ve always liked him. Always in shape and amazing physical specimen. Nice guy. Humble personality. Could box the distance or score a stoppage if he had to. I think top 40 is fair. Not sure if he belongs in the hall of fame but I don’t take issue with him being there either. As for taking the Ali win away, it would have changed a lot about how he’d be remembered and not for the better. That was the crown jewel of his record

 

I wouldn't rate him too highly. He was a good HW in a great era but he racked up quite a few devastating KO losses, all of which went unavenged as far as I remember..
He will always be special though because of what he did to Ali and how he remained a thorn in his side .
That shot that broke Ali's jaw was for every Marine back in Nam fighting for their lives in the rice patty's. At least for one night someone stood up and knocked that smug look of Ali's face, and for that we are all greatful