Do you guys think if Norton met Shavers from 73-76, he'd have won

[KO'er]

Shavers KO'd Norton in 1979, when Norton was passed it. But what about if Shavers fought the Norton that faced Muhammad Ali 2 times in a row? (or up to 1976 if you want that to be your criteria.)

I think Shavers would have KO'd Norton from the first 2 Ali fights, a prime Norton. I can't see any version of Norton lasting 12-15 rounds with Shavers. I think he'd get KO'd within 5 rounds.

[U_TALKING_2_ME?]

Norton's weakness was against punchers, if you could crack you could break Notron.

[Sugarj]

No two ways about it, Norton is the more skilled and has the better resume. But short of him pulling a 'Jerry Quarry' on Shavers and stopping him early you have to fancy that at some point Shavers would connect and more than likely stop him.

[StarshipTrooper]

Norton's weakness was against punchers, if you could crack you could break Notron.

It had a lot to do with Norton's style of fighting. He had a weird style that was designed to defuze slick boxers by taking away their jabs and it did that very well. It came at a steep price though: It left Norton wide open to anyone who could attack him straight on and if that fighter had big power it equaled a short night with Norton in dreamland.

[Anthony342]

Yeah, like when he fought Foreman.

[Dynamite76]

If Ken could drag Earnie in deep water, maybe he could pull the trick.

[joseph5620]

It had a lot to do with Norton's style of fighting. He had a weird style that was designed to defuze slick boxers by taking away their jabs and it did that very well. It came at a steep price though: It left Norton wide open to anyone who could attack him straight on and if that fighter had big power it equaled a short night with Norton in dreamland.

This is very,very true.

[U_TALKING_2_ME?]

It had a lot to do with Norton's style of fighting. He had a weird style that was designed to defuze slick boxers by taking away their jabs and it did that very well. It came at a steep price though: It left Norton wide open to anyone who could attack him straight on and if that fighter had big power it equaled a short night with Norton in dreamland.

True,the crossed arm crab defense while dragging the back foot worked wonders against the jab, but to employ it properly one has to have a good chin ala Big George or The Old Mongoose Archie Moore.

And if not one would be wise to steer clear of punchers as that defense blocks the vision somewhat.