"So, I'd say Ken Norton had a good chance to beat every man who ever held a heavyweight title." I'm going to say no to the true boxer-punchers (and I don't mean some weird version of that which includes guys like Holyfield -- I mean certified bangers with solid all round boxing skills). So, no to Joe Louis, no to Sonny Liston, no to Lennox Lewis, no to Riddick Bowe, no to Wlad Klitschko, no to Tommy Morrison, etc. On the other hand, I give Norton a great shot against any pure boxer-type who ever fought.
I was a huge Kenny Norton fan in real time but I think people get a little overheated about his skills. I think he’s top 30, maybe 25-ish or so among all time heavyweights. He would have a chance against anyone somebody 25th or so would have a chance against.
They all would be good fights. I could see them all giving Norton trouble. None have that ATG punching power to pull a Foreman on him. Peak Thomas who many thought was the heir apparent of Holmes would give Norton a good fight, but I think Norton would edge it.