Who was the more stylistic poison for Ali? Ken Norton or Joe Frazier.

Eddie Futch

 

Norton parrying Ali's jab and responding with one of his own, along with his more methodical pressure, gave Ali more trouble overall. While not as big of a puncher as Frazier, Norton had a wider punch selection attacking with both fists with hooks, uppercuts, and right hands once he got close. He took his time and was a constant annoyance for Ali who had trouble getting his momentum going without being able to pop his jab and float around.

 

I would give Norton the slight edge as having the more problematic style for Muhammad Ali. But another factor needs to be considered. Ali was further removed from prime for some of his fights with Norton than he was with Frazier.

 

I'd say Norton. Frazier was tougher, harder-hitting & stronger, but Norton was more technical & awkward.

However, I wouldn't call Norton slick. More like an awkward technician.

 

I agree with this sentiment entirely. In my observation of Ali, what made his style unique was in his ability to coordinate his greatest strengths in, agility, reflexes, timing, against an opponent. When Frazier started to smoke, Ali learned to time Joe's rhythm eventually, to different degrees of success. In the first fight, Norton established such an effective jab, neutralized Ali's own jab, and mixed up his guard that Ali never really was able to continuously build on his momentum between rounds. Ali could not dance like he used to, and Norton cut off the ring generously well. Beside Frazier's left hook and Futch's game plan, I think Fraizer's determination was his greatest weapon against Ali. Norton brought all those same aspects to the fight and being well aware the Ali he was facing was out of his prime, his technical approach was what I believe made his style more poison for Ali.

 

Ken Norton. Ali peppered Liston, Ali peppered Quarry, Ali peppered Foreman, Ali peppered Frazier. He never peppered Norton.

 

Did you not watch the 2nd Norton bout? Frazier never looked as helpless as Norton did the first half of the fight. Also, Norton never put Ali on his ass or even came close to it.

 

If Ali was asked, who would he rather fight? Frazier once, or Norton 10 times? Their's your answer.

 

Frazier for me.

He could adapt to outbox Norton, or atleast steal rounds from him.

But that pressure Frazier brought, man.

 

I agree. Ali dominated the first half of their second bout, and Norton was defenseless until Ali slowed down, not because of anything, Norton was doing but because of his age. This wouldn't have been a problem for a younger Ali.

However with Frazier, Ali's going to slow down regardless. Not only because of Frazier's brutal bodywork, but Frazier will force him to fight at a higher pace, than he's comfortable at, and his punch output will have to be far higher than he is used to just to keep Frazier off of him. He didn't have to deal with that Norton.

 

And that leaping left hook, as he snarls and throws his full weight behind it. Can't jab your way out of that one lol.

 

I love watching the 2nd Norton fight because it just might have been the only performance in the 70s where Ali showed flashes of his former self. At least in the first six rounds or so.

Norton was more awkward/weird than Frazier, and Ali (like Holmes) liked his opponents more conventional, ultimately predictable.

 

All Kenny Norton did was win two out of three and break Ali's jaw.
Yea I saw the 2nd fight Norton fight. Could have went either way. Perhaps you should review Ali/Frazier 2. When was Kenny ever even staggered by Ali. If your suggesting Ali dominated Norton or peppered him I would disagree.