Ken Norton vs Joe Frazier

donutstix · 05-08-2008, 03:03 PM

Why did this fight never happen? They both gave Ali all he could handle, and both were crushed by Foreman. Was there an agreement between the two, or any other reason why this match never took place?

Also, who takes it if it does happen back in the day?

I searched and didn't see any info on this, sorry if there's some massive thread on it somewhere that I missed.

BootyDaddy · 05-08-2008, 04:17 PM

I wondered the same thing awhile back and found out that they were good friends and sparring partners.

Frazier would have KO'd Kenny Norton had they met for real though.

Hammer Time · 05-08-2008, 05:53 PM

i agree with booty daddy frazier had the better chin and enough power to blast out norton. both big hitters but frazier is busier and takes norton out in the later rounds

**BrooklynBomber** · 05-08-2008, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BootyDaddy

I wondered the same thing awhile back and found out that they were good friends and sparring partners.

Frazier would have KO'd Kenny Norton had they met for real though.

Pretty much end of story.

Redd Loc · 05-08-2008, 06:10 PM

Joe would've stomped all over Norton.

Tam-Tam · 05-08-2008, 06:15 PM

I think Norton would have had a fantastic chance with Frazier.

donutstix · 05-08-2008, 06:24 PM

Thanks for the info, guys. I've always wondered about this.

surge_factor · 05-08-2008, 09:16 PM

Yeah, now that I think about it, I am kinda wishing it had happened. I can honestly see it going either way but I'd lean Frazier. He had the better chin, and could have eventually gotten inside. If he can get in on Ali, he can get in on Norton...although you could make the argument that Norton beat Ali 2/3 times, so who knows. Great matchup though to debate.

**BrooklynBomber** · 05-08-2008, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by surge_factor

Yeah, now that I think about it, I am kinda wishing it had happened. I can honestly see it going either way but I'd lean Frazier. He had the better chin, and could have eventually gotten inside. If he can get in on Ali, he can get in on Norton...although you could make the argument that Norton beat Ali 2/3 times, so who knows. Great matchup though to debate.

I wouldn't put much stock into the "he beat Ali 2/3(and arguably 3/3)" mainly because Norton had a style that didn't play to any of Ali's strengths, and that was his biggest asset in those fights.

bradlee180 · 05-08-2008, 10:12 PM

Futch did an interview once where he said a big mistake Ali made was fighting the unknown Ken Norton the first time because Ken had been sparring with Joe Frazier for months and had gotten very sharp.
Frazier fought Foreman and 2 months later, Norton fought Ali who Ali took lightly as just another stepping stone to eventually getting another title shot (Ali had already lost to Frazier). Norton busted Ali’s jaw and got the win.

Ken Norton, with one of the all-time great physiques in boxing, was vulnerable to aggressive, heavy punchers who could push him back on his heels making him back up, and whenever he fought those aggressive sturdy guys who came ahead throwing big bombs, Norton ended up knocked out. Shavers, Cooney, and Foreman who all had the power, sturdiness, and aggressiveness to drive the 6'3" 215 lb Norton back and finish him.
I think Smokin’ Joe’s aggressiveness, relentless pressure, and power would have eventually stopped Norton. Frazier’s bodywork alone would have hurt Norton’s 32" waist the same way Shavers' bodywork did. Norton’s cross-armed defense protected the head, but not the body so well, and Joe THRIVED on the body.

Norton clearly BEAT Ali in 2 of those fights.