Through sparring with Liston and fighting both Ali and Holmes, Norton had first-hand experience of three of the best jabs in HW-history. Do anyone know if he compared them with each other, and if so, what did he say?
Yeah, definitely. I'm just watching his fight against Holmes, and man did Kenny eat jabs for the first eight or so rounds. Holmes had a wicked jab, no doubt about it.
Good topic. Norton won 1 of 3 with Ali .....Fight3 he probably won,,, and split decision with Holmes. That 82 + inch reach of Liston might have helped Norton figure out ways to minimize ultimate jabbers. Kinda like playing street ball, you finally figure out all your buddies moves.
I have his book, Going the Distance. Any idea what time period he sparred with Liston? It'd help me in finding it.
I never knew Norton sparred with Liston. I had never heard that before. I do know that Norton said that Ali had the best jab of any fighter he fought. I read an interview with Norton in a boxing magazine from the early-90's I think it was - KO I think - in which Norton said Ali's jab was better than Holmes' jab. He also said Shavers was probably the hardest hitter he had ever faced.
I'll do a thread on Norton's exact comments regarding the Foreman, Holmes and Ali jabs soon, as i promised H-Jab.
Maybe I went out on a limb when saying that Norton sparred with Liston, but I think I've seen someone saying that here on this forum. And I know that Norton said something to the effect that Liston's jab was powerful enough to knock a man out, while Ali's jab was fast and precise, and that also suggests some first-hand experience. I think that was in Hauser´s biography on Ali.
Ali's jab is the overall best jab, the most versatile tool I have seen among the heavyweights. It was showcased best against Liston. Holmes' polished, jolting jab was tremendous as well, as he himself said he learned from working with Ali what the jab could do.
