Holy certainly handled punchers better which made him a more versatile all round fighter.... but Im not sure he's better in any way that applies directly to this fight. Norton's workrate and stamina would be really difficult for Holy to contend with. Swarmer beats counterpuncher 'n all that. It would be quite a brawl.
Norton as he was a lot bigger than Evander and just too strong for him in a real physical fight. Norton was huge and as strong as an ox, and had a long reach and knew how to use it.
Outstanding fight... Great action and close rounds... I don't think there'd ever be a decisive winner... There'd just be a guy with a one point edge on two cards
I think it would have to be Norton over fifteen. I don't see Holyfield doing well in a 15-rounder against Norton, the way I think the fight will go. It would be very tight over twelve, though, & either man could win it. I guess I would side conservatively with Norton here, even though I think Holyfield is the greater all-round Heavy.
Holyfield did have faster hands, yes. He was also a more correct puncher, with the better technique, & I think he was better with his combos than Norton. He was more versatile, as well. On the other hand, I see the styles favouring Norton (important when two fellas are fairly evenly-matched, as with here), & he clearly had the upper-hand with endurance, output & I see him as the somewhat stronger puncher, too. Norton could be surprisingly vicious when he didn't fear a foe's power, too, & I don't see him being troubled by Holyfield's raw punch so...
Evander wouldn't be troubled by Norton's punch either...don't forget that Evander walked through Tyson's punches. Also Evander could match Norton for endurance IMO. Handspeed, combos and better technique wins this one. No doubt in my mind.
He didnt really walk through Tyson's punches... he parried and countered them as much as anything... Tyson also had a style completely different to Ken Norton
I agree Norton isn't going to really hurt Holyfield in all likelihood (though I remember the Cooper overhand right as I say as much), but I just meant Norton's bombs may catch the judges' eye a touch more, as this will likely prove a distance fight.