Muhammad Ali vs Ken Norton I - March 31, 1973 - HIGH QUALITY REMASTERED!

[THE THIRD MAN]

Ali fought Norton 3 times and i have often wondered why Norton never fought Frazier? Then again how lucky was Larry Holmes (who began in 1973) that Foreman retired prematurely in 1977 and he never met Frazier on the way up? Ali fought everyone and re matched many even those who troubled him. IMO Norton was his real nemesis not Frazier.

[brocktonblockbust]

Ali fought Norton 3 times and i have often wondered why Norton never fought Frazier? Then again how lucky was Larry Holmes (who began in 1973) that Foreman retired prematurely in 1977 and he never met Frazier on the way up? Ali fought everyone and re matched many even those who troubled him. IMO Norton was his real nemesis not Frazier.

I think Norton won all 3 bouts with Ali. I think Norton won his bout with Holmes too.
Frazier and Norton would have been a quick fight---Joe woulda found Norton's shaky chin I'll call it and bombed him out. Wrong fight for Kenny there. Now Frazier would have given Holmes fits. I say Holmes' chin may or may not hold up after a few of those withering Frazier left hooks. I think Joe lands more hooks to Holmes' chin than Shavers landed overhand rights to Holmes' chin.

[Master]

Ali had amazing courage, heart and determination. I remember a reporter asked if he knew his jaw was broken would he have carried on fighting. He replied “No way, do you think I am stupid”. I think he took those punches and the pain because of the adrenalin in a fight nothing else.

[TysonBomb]

I think Ali won the second Norton fight.

The third one is tough ... I'm an Ali fan but he didn't do enough that day to get a decision over Norton. It was close but I think Norton should've gotten the nod. Ali should've retired after the "Thrilla in Manila" and looked completely shot after that. Nothing about him was the same.

Prime Norton is hell for any pure boxer.

[brocktonblockbust]

Prime Frazier vs prime Holmes would have been a barn-burner

[TysonBomb]

I'd pick Frazier for that one

Holmes is an ATG and everything but ... aside from an aging Norton the best he's beaten is ... Gerry Cooney

The closest Holmes ever fought to a swarmer of Frazier's caliber was Tyson ... Tyson wasn't actually a swarmer but he was similar in size to Frazier ... and Tyson mauled him EASY.

Frazier fought plenty of boxer types and beat near prime Ali

[Master]

Holmes would beat Frazier, his jab would hurt and his chin could take the bombs of Joe. It would have been a terrific fight.