Talk:Ken Norton vs. Gerry Cooney

Be aware that this fight was in 1981, when former world champion Ken Norton was well past his prime. Considering that Norton lost to Cooney by TKO in round one, I want to note that Cooney was one of the best ever punchers in the history of boxing, and even some of the best have been caught cold (and my analysis is that Norton was one of the best). Although Norton always had a puncher's chance with his powerful overhand right, I believe he could have stayed away from Cooney's power by using his excellent left jab (instead of slugging it out with Cooney). If Norton had used this scheme, I conceive that it probably would have been a close fight. I think the fight would have gone to a decision and Norton could have won the fight. Cooney is still the probable winner in this scenario, but Norton could win.

In a Norton-Cooney match-up with both in their primes, my analysis is that Norton could have beat Cooney. I conclude that this is a close match-up that either boxer could win.

Muhammed Ali is generally considered the greatest and Norton is one of the few to beat Ali. Moreover, Larry Holmes is oftentimes considered in the top five and was the second longest reigning champion in history behind Joe Louis. Norton late in his prime arguably beat Holmes when Holmes was early in his peak. Ken Norton is one of the greats.----Big City 23:00, 16 October 2006 (CDT)