Joe Frazier vs. Ken Norton

[Steak]

No way man. It took a serious puncher to beat Joe. Norton wasn't a real puncher and even if he was an athlete Fraizer is still going to beat him probably by knockout.

Norton can't fight off the back foot. And he won't in this fight. Frazier's pressure and power will be too much.

hmmm, well Bonavena came very close to closing the show against Frazier, and I think I would put Bonavena's and Norton's power as about equal, and Norton was overall a better fighter than Bonavena as well. but stylstically Bonavena was a nightmare for someone like Frazier, wheras Norton was a bit weak to offense as intense as the kind Frazier put up...which is the deciding point in this fight.

[Mugwump]

I think far too many people are failing to recognise the threat posed by Norton's damaging jab. Frazier would take a lot of punishment on the way in. And Ken had the kind of Easter Island statue physicality which would also make it pretty tough for Joe to intimidate him.

Joe is clearly the better fighter. His dynamic head movement, fluid combinations and peerless fitness make Norton seem somewhat pedestrian. But styles make fights and Ken has the tools to hurt Joe.

[SBleeder]

Does anyone know why this fight didn't actually happen?

[NChristo]

Does anyone know why this fight didn't actually happen?

Presume it was because they were very good friends and stablemates.

If Frazier had held the title for longer though a fight would of been more likely, obviously.

[DarkTerror88]

Does anyone know why this fight didn't actually happen?

Because They both were trained bu Eddie Futch and according to Futch Frazier Handled Norton in sparring fairly easily so there wasnt really a need for this fight. I wish it happened though.

[Barn]

I heard, they made a promise that they would never fight each other as they were good friends. I'm not certain though.

[Scott9945]

In the time frame given I'd definitely pick Frazier. If the fight date gets later then Norton's chances increase considerably.

[DeepSleep]

With the way Norton drags his back foot along it is impossible to really fight going backwards. When Norton fought guys who he could walk down he gave them hell, when he fought guys who backed him down he fell apart.

Frazier would force Norton onto the back foot and KO him, no way Norton can keep Frazier from swarming him.

[GF of Boxing]

I agree. I think this fight is too close to call. Plus you have to remember they use to spar with each other. I think Norton will start up fast and take the lead in the fight for the first 4 rounds. Because Frazier has always been a slow started but once Frazier start smokin Norton is going to have major problems. Norton had a great uppercut but that is a very dangerous punch to throw against Frazier if missed. I can see this fight go either way but I'm leaning towards Frazier because of the constant pressure of Joe that it will eventually break Norton down. I love Norton but this fight I don't know. The only way Norton could win this fight is by decision. But this fight has the recipe to be fight of the year.

[StarshipTrooper]

With the way Norton drags his back foot along it is impossible to really fight going backwards. When Norton fought guys who he could walk down he gave them hell, when he fought guys who backed him down he fell apart.

Frazier would force Norton onto the back foot and KO him, no way Norton can keep Frazier from swarming him.

Bingo. Norton's style of fighting was designed to nullify the jabs of slick boxers and throw their timing off. It's major weakness was it was completely vulnerable to opponents who came right at him. Guess were Frazier would be coming from? :grin9:

Poet