Would Ken Norton had become a genuine ATG if he fought in a different decade?

How about Pete Rademacher? Ha Ha.

 

Probably not, he was not a very good boxer. He got off to a late start, but he was a great athlete and his conditioning was outstanding. That said I think he would actually do well in today's watered down division.

 

Tbh I’d pick at least 4 of those listed to beat Norton.

 

And I’m sure there are others who might as well. I don’t know if I’d “ favor “ them but I think some of those fights could be 50/50

 

His problem is always going to be, that he is not stylistically diverse.

There are punchers in every era.

He would need an era dominated by slick boxers, and a bit of cleaver match making, which is just about possible.

 

I’d give Ken a chance

 

If we look at all the champions throughout history,Ken would have a good chance against or put on a good show against most of them. There are certain heavy punching exceptions such as Liston,Lewis,Louis,Tyson etc. Early stoppages against Ken. He would have a "Close but no cigar" scenario against prime Ali and Holmes. I see Ken beating Patterson,Tunney,Walcott,Charles (better P4P than Norton but Ken could decision him at heavyweight) Johansson,Spinks bros among others. A Holyfield-Norton fight would be a really close one to call and a thriller.