Joe Frazier vs Ken Norton

Mukel · Post by **Mukel** » 22 Dec 2007, 09:10

If these two fought back in the mid 70's who do you guys think would win,
Im not to sure myself, im sure a lot of people will say Frazier, but i think Norton could pull out the win on points.

Goodnight, Irene · Post by **Goodnight, Irene** » 23 Dec 2007, 01:53

I have little doubt that if this took place in the mid 70's (i.e 75-76) Norton would emerge victorious. He was just edging past his prime in 76, at a time when Frazier was rightly calling it a day.

At this point in time, Frazier could not get in shape, & this was crucial for his style of fighting. The extra weight on his small frame lowered his punch output & took some snap from his punches. It was evident in the rematch with Ellis. He did have that one final performance of great note against Ali, but that was driven by sheer intensity of will he would not have produced against a man to whom he was a friend & former stablemate.

At this stage of their careers, Norton would smother & physically bull Frazier around, uppercut him in close & stick him with the jab from afar. It would be a clear points victory.

A very different story if both men were at their peak, though...

Robinson · Post by **Robinson** » 23 Dec 2007, 02:13

I think in the mid 1970s Norton would have the goods to win. He had still the years in him and was a much improved fighter by this time. Frazier was very noticebly on the decline.

Norton however never seemed to like power punchers and always had trouble with him. He was a man that seemed to fare better against light fisted boxers.

Frazier would certainly have his moments, and would get Norton in trouble. I think this would go the full distance, but Fraziers punch rate would be some what low and his hits not enough to pull of a win. Norton would be careful but aggressive enough to earn the nod.

Shame they never fought, one thing we know is Frazier has the power to close Nortons eyes.

I wonder whose corner Eddie Fucth would be in as this may be a deciding factor.

Kym

Goodnight, Irene · Post by **Goodnight, Irene** » 23 Dec 2007, 02:19

Presumably Frazier's, as Futch had left Norton's corner after the second meeting with Ali.

Robinson · Post by **Robinson** » 23 Dec 2007, 02:20

Would be interesting. Fraizer still had a bit of pop and looked good at times in the Foreman rematch.

So....

Kym

p4p1 · Post by **p4p1** » 23 Dec 2007, 22:55

i think frazier would get it just in the mid 70's anytime before that he gets it a fair bit easier

generic screen name · Post by **generic screen name** » 24 Dec 2007, 00:43

Whoever gets pushed back first. Norton had a weakness to guys who pushed him back, but I wouldn't count him out to push back a mid 70's Frazier. Two guys who are great forward fighters. This may make for a very entertaining matchup.