Ken Norton Fought Both Muhammad Ali And Larry Holmes And Had No Doubt Who Would Win In Their Primes

Norton fought Ali three times, winning the first by split decision in 1973, but losing the next two on the cards, first an immediate rematch the same year, then three years later in 1976 when he failed in his attempt to become the WBA, WBC and The Ring Magazine champion. Analysts and even Ali himself said Norton should have had his hand raised that night in Yankee Stadium.

Two years later, Norton was beaten over the 15 round distance by Larry Holmes in an extremely close-fought contest. Two years on and it was time for Ali and Holmes to fight.

‘The Greatest’ was famously a mentor to a young Holmes, resulting in the pair sparring hundreds of rounds together in the gym.

When Ali was at the end of his career – in fact most feel he should have already retired – and Holmes was very much becoming the new star of the division, they faced off in the professional arena. In that infamous contest, ‘The Easton Assassin’ took his old friend apart with his famously stiff jab and became the only man to stop him.

Speaking to Frank J Lotierzo on ESPN Radio, Norton was asked who was stronger out of Ali and Holmes and had no doubt about the answer.

“Oh Ali definitely. He was very strong but because he wasn’t a one punch KO artist it is overlooked. Hitting him in the body or on the arms was like hitting a piece of cement.”

He was then asked if he thought ‘The Greatest’ was indeed the best ever, thus feeling he would have bested Holmes in his prime.

“As far as I’ve been around, yes.”

Norton has spoken before of his great reverence for Ali, and has previously put the Louisville fighter’s famous dominance in the heavyweight division down to his ability to defeat his opponents mentally before they even stepped into the ring.