Ali's Toughest Fight Explained! - Muhammad Ali vs Ken Norton | Fight Breakdown

Back in the Golden Age of heavyweights, the world was full of talented contenders of all different styles and backgrounds. In 1973, Muhammad Ali was on the comeback after his loss to the legendary bob and weave powerhouse Joe Frazier. Ali had fought ten of the world’s best in just 2 years, and now he was just one fight away from clinching a fight with the current champion Big George Foreman. The only man that stood in his way was a man known as Black Hercules, the Fighting Marine Ken Norton.
Although Norton was a formidable contender with a unique style and the infamous Eddie Futch as his coach, few gave him any kind of chance. And that included Ali, who expected to run through Norton the same way he had all the others.
Like Frazier, Norton combined a cross guard with low line head movement, often turning a catch into a full on cross block. But where Frazier had his powerful left hook, Norton possessed excellent boxing along with intelligent combinations and sharp counter punching.
Aggressive Defense: www.modernmarti...
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Principles of Power: www.modernmarti...
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[@TheModernMartialArtist]

Aggressive Defense: www.modernmartialartist.com/dowloads/head-movement-blocks-counters/ Footwork Wins Fights: www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/footwork-wins-fights/ Principles of Power: www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/power-of-the-pros/ Mortal Weapons the Fight Comic: www.amazon.com/Mortal-Weapons-David-Christian-ebook/dp/B07T4X4W1K/

[@Imthatoneboy]

Part 2 💯💯💯

[@johndavidlayton779]

George Forman called Norton “the fairest of them all” because he was such a good person also out of the ring. That’s big respect.

[@moomaniac2932]

@@gregsworks8547 wut

[@stephencurry8552]

And Norton was factually dumb as a stump. Could not even speak correctly.

[@johnaustin209]

*FOREMAN

[@aarondigby5054]

Many people in the Marines with Norton said he was an a##hole. That's understandable knowing the Marines history. They got to be tough. Norton was a great guy.

[@ComboSmooth]

My GF has me watching Big Brother right now and Frazier's son is on the show, and I pause often to tell my GF that Joe Frazier was a legend. I don't think she cares, but i'd rather rant about that than watch big brother

[@zachleprieur2871]

🤣same

[@rubenaerts7284]

Marvis Frazier? He was good boxer 2 though. Nothing like his father and he also had no business at heavyweight + he took on Fraziers style and that didn't suit him, Marvis was a boxer, not a pressure fighter.

[@ScooBdont]

@@rubenaerts7284 It’s Joe Frazier’s youngest son Derek Frazier. Unfortunately Marvis is probably most remembered from Larry Holmes’ and Mike Tyson’s knockout highlights that actually were his only 2 losses.

[@lrockyfan5106]

Big brother is pretty good though.

[@quintingrant9285]

@A l p h e u s its like a show where people all live in a house and compete for money this year the money is up to 750,000 dollars

[@ernestwest6861]

The craziest part is how easily George foreman ran through Norton, then still lost to Ali

[@Robban.D.Jonsson.]

Foreman was a nightmarish opponent style wise for fighters like Norton and Frazier.

[@tremainehughes9342]

@@Robban.D.Jonsson. because Norton and Frazier had low line head movement foreman style was built off framing the opponent into punches. Framing can hinder anybody with good head movement it keeps them stationary for a split second.

[@juk1107]

That's boxing for you

[@michel0dy]

I love how the style matchups really affect the outcome of those fights

[@levimiller5007]

Styles make matches. Just look at the bouts involving the Ali, Frazier, and Foreman.. Ali lost to Frazier once, Frazier was beaten by Foreman (and later, Ali), and Foreman lost to Ali. Very rarely, a person can use sheer speed/strength to overwhelm a substantial degree of technique/tactics/experience.

[@lampini]

ken norton is probably the most underrated heavyweight in history. He fought every contender of his time, beat most of them, and was at the top of his division for almost the entire decade. I wish he fought joe frazier because I would've loved to see who would've won that fight

[@b9479]

I think him and Joe had the same trainer, that's why they never fought

[@michadebicki6534]

@@b9479 and they liked and respected each other.

[@kelvinhouston4287]

Norton wanted to fight Joe. But Joe didn't want to fight him. Not because he was afraid of him ( so he says) but because they were friends.

[@isaabdullahi9097]

Both were disciples of Eddie Futch; the most Highly underated trainer/boxing brain ever. Ali was the man to beat that era, so Futch always produced fighters that could counter Ali's style. That's why his fighters excelled against Ali but faltered against other top contenders. Norton was just a taller, less durable, right handed Frazier, with a better jab.

[@kelvinhouston4287]

I can tell you right now who would have won a fight between Norton and Frazier. Joe Frazier would have won! He had more pedigree than Norton. More ring savvy between the two. And he hit just hard enough to freeze Norton like a deer in head lights! Everyone knows Norton couldn't deal with big hitters, as his record shows. But I still considered him to be a great fighter.

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

Larry Holmes recently said Norton was the best fighter he ever fought. Said Norton had far more skill than people gave him credit for, and an ability to adapt his style, take away your strengiths and exploit your weaknesses as the fight went along.

[@RustCole01]

That punch Norton threw at 01:02 was savage but his decision not to pummel a dazed opponent deserves respect. He had every right to light that dude up but he seemed to realize that the guy was losing his legs. Gotta respect Norton's restraint.... he saw the guy wobbling and just waited a few seconds for him to go down...

[@Flowershop4th]

Facts. Gained even more respect for him after I seen that

[@Taima]

Yeah, compare to someone like Tyson who'd try to see if he could pop the dude's head off his shoulders before he went down first

[@RustCole01]

@@Taima kzbin.infofgtzQs82dgU?si=ML1iKww4wtPHLS3o More like Ray Mercer

[@Riles3152]

That 70's HW era was freaking insane! Ali, Fraizer, Foreman, Norton, Holmes and I'll even throw Ron Lyle and Ernie Shavers in there. Even the contenders like Shavers and Lyle could have beaten the aforementioned champions on even given night if the champs weren't on there A game. Absolute golden age of Heavyweight boxing.

[@Riles3152]

@SteelerzReignSupremeII His era was 50's and 60's

[@Craterfist]

Norton deserves his name written next to Ali, Frazier, and Foreman in the history books.

[@butcherofntexas4966]

Yes. He fought 39 rounds with Ali.

[@nihaad344]

so does Larry Holmes

[@tcf2142]

@@nihaad344 he certainly does. But I think Holmes was from the next era.... dominated the era between Ali and Tyson

[@nihaad344]

@@tcf2142 fair enough

[@kcash6359]

It is right there with the others. The Mount Rushmore of 70s heavyweights is Ali, Frazier, Foreman and Norton.

[@timephire]

0:02 George Foreman always looks so bored while beating his opponents up. Lol ;o)

[@TheModernMartialArtist]

According to him he was terrified a lot of the time too. Great poker face haha

[@jintheicesage3704]

Lol

[@tomgjgj]

A lot of people's faces go blank when inside they're basically trying really hard not to panic.

[@user-kk2dw1eh5q]

@@TheModernMartialArtist If you're interested I watched an Ali interview after this fight earlier and he said his jaw broke in the 2nd round. Idk really but I'd guess it's the punch that knocked him into the corner. That's why he came out dancing in the 3rd and why it got shut down so fast

[@freddiereagan6705]

@@tomgjgj and they success

[@VinnieGer]

If my jaw was broken I would bawl and leave. “You guys are too mean I’m going home!” Respect

[@UntouchableBreakdowns]

Wouldn’t we all 🤣

[@357-swagnumultramagax9]

Like Cartman says : screw you guys ! I’m going home !

[@raxtz2033]

@@UntouchableBreakdowns tattyff to

[@emmanouel8]

@@UntouchableBreakdowns except all the KZbin warriors out there. You know who you are 🤣

[@GuacJohnson]

I got two ribs fractured in a fight and was still freezing up and losing exchanges from the pain despite having experienced far worse: can only imagine how crazy and iron-willed you have to be to continue to fight at this level with a broken jaw

[@firstlast3674]

When the Protagonist is gearing up for his big rematch with the Rival, but that new character shows up.

[@Tom757]

Cringe

[@Mayaxeditz]

@@Tom757 no

[@thatlonelygiraffeinc.6989]

That's the situation with Ali frazier and foreman

[@escre]

Randy Boy Jr.

[@GrubKiller436]

That's always happening in boxing, and unexpected things happen.

[@elwin38]

My earliest memory of Muhammad Ali and the 1st fight i remember watching on TV(just turned 5yrs old). My oldest brother and his friends came over to my mom's house to watch. They fought 2 more times and Ali won in very close split decisions(some said Norton got robbed in the rubber match).

[@yuu9258]

That last match was not a split decision. It was a unanimous decision. (edit spelling unanimous)

[@kardiackids1435]

@@yuu9258 For which fighter in your opinion though? I haven't watched the 3rd fight yet.

[@charliebates9098]

Norton did get robbed

[@handzofstone1152]

@@charliebates9098 No he didn't.

[@charliebates9098]

@@handzofstone1152 Norton beat him both times dude and the third he was robbed ... I boxed for almost 15 years and watched all of Ali and Frazier's fights at least 100 times trying to combine Frazier's head movement with Ali jab and foot work ... I was pretty good on the outside and knew how to get inside because of the head movement .... But either way I watched all their fights a ton of times and they were both my favorite fighters... Ali lost both fights to Norton! ... If I was a judge I would have given the second fight to Norton! He was the aggressor most the time, landed more punches ... I really don't know how they gave it to Ali! And this is coming from someone who Ali and Frazier was his hero!

[@nweike]

The intellect, knowledge, tactical breakdown and editing skills you put into these videos is world class. Bravo 👏🏿👏🏿

[@izilgur]

yeah fucking good... is like seeing a manga or something, like we could tell what the boxers were thinking at that moment.

[@YandereGogeta]

As an amateur/casual boxing fan, these videos blow my mind. Thank you for the effort you put in!

[@felicecancellara4524]

“Every time I watched his chest i know he was coming and when the jab touched the glove fireback” Ken Norton one of the best of all time

[@sebastiaankrul2403]

This feels like the real Rocky story

[@UntouchableBreakdowns]

The pfp you have fits this so well

[@Confucius202]

That was the Chuck Wepner fight

[@sebastiaankrul2403]

@@Confucius202 I know, but for me this feels more like the rocky story than the fight the movie was based on

[@RazorEdge2006]

I thought Joe Frazier was the real Rocky? Frazier was from Philly, just like Rocky.

[@Wallyworld30]

Ironicall the Rocky movie was based on a Rocky Fight. One of the white dudes he boxed made Ali trip and Sylvester Stallone thought the white guy knocked Rocky down. It inspired him to write Rocky.

[@rm3869]

RIP to both legends

[@ZergrushEddie]

The fortitude of these legends is insane. Ali has a broken jaw, gets right back into the fight and still takes powerful blows to the face and hardly falters. A punch in the head hurts as is but with an already broken bone? Sheesh...

[@ryand141]

Ali doesn't get enough credit for how tough he was. Also, Ali dances. He's the greatest. Money dances, and he's a pussy not a fighter. Any fighter that looks to get punched in the face is a clown.

[@datadavis]

Adrenaline is one helluva drug

[@aarondigby5054]

Smdh, can't even imagine the pain, and he fought Norton six months later, no fear.

[@genehauser3913]

Like most heavyweight fights in those days, I was watching. I was a big Ali fan and I knew he'd been beaten. I was devastated, but I knew he'd be back. Another great video!

[@AKoboldsAdventures]

These fight breakdown videos are some of the best content on KZbin

[@gavinhedleygreenslade8209]

They're among the most knowledgeable, certainly.

[@youtoo2233]

Ali actually fought really well for having a broken jaw most of the fight.

[@freddiereagan6705]

Rocky with a broken nose still win a fight but Ali is better since he is faster

[@youtoo2233]

@@freddiereagan6705 Rocky fights ain't real dude 😂

[@freddiereagan6705]

@@youtoo2233 i meant real Rocky Marciano

[@jayedwards1205]

Ali didn’t have a broken jaw thruout the fight ...it was broken in the final round, as Norton always said

[@unknownjohnson6137]

@@jayedwards1205 were you there in the ring to check?

[@EthnHayabusa]

Wow, what a fight. I love Ali so much, I have always struggled to watch his defeats. Norton was so good. Thanks!

[@anthonyminor3160]

I am the same way. I don’t like watching him lose.

[@68majortom]

Me too, it's tough to take & his final 2 Fights v Holmes & Berbick I refuse to watch & I never will, as far as I'm concerned they shouldn't even be on his Record!!

[@Head318Hunter]

7:10 Norton Jive walkin back to his corner. Meanwhile Ali walking back to his corner thinking "who IS this guy and WTF is going on right now??"

[@heisensperg9264]

Ken Norton is one of the most underappreciated boxers of all time especially underappreciated for the legendary heavyweight he was

[@briang.7206]

Mr T on the show "A Team" beats Ken Norton it was fun to watch. Norton was,a bad guy so I guess Mr T had to be the winner.

[@jacobwilliams5271]

' The butterfly's wing's have been clipped. The bee has lost it's stinger. You're finished" My god the poetic savagery in those few lines.

[@sebastianblackfyre]

Badass Norton

[@sebastianblackfyre]

I think Ken Norton can learn one or two things from Ali and Young. Ali was best against big framing sluggers that used guard manipulations well like Foreman. Young was by far the top 5 best defensive heavyweight in the 70s in my my opinion and was probably also one of the most adaptable. Norton had a 80 inch reach, 6’3, and was shown to be able to cut rings in a literal movement and switch into Ali’s style when sparing Fraizer. I think he could have gone the distance with Foreman and possibly also win.

[@Justin23908]

Great Job David, the 2nd one is my favorite Ali fight ever actually so looking forward to that one. He was in excellent shape for that fight

[@mizofan]

He showed his great will in that fight, the last round was crucial in his career, i remember it well, we had not long got a TV.

[@Justin23908]

@@mizofan Your so right. He looked like that round was the decision maker round and he came out with his greatness. I would call it a reserve he was saving, but he was active every round before that.

[@ninjadad3769]

There’s just always been something about Ali’s fighting style that I love to watch, his head movement and foot work speed, he was before my time really, but it’s not just his fights and style of fighting but watching some of his interviews not just the flout like a butterfly sting like a bee either there’s a couple that would give me goosebumps because he was cocky and confident but I really believe he was a kind hearted soul there was one where he was saying he hope he would leave a cup of kindness a spoonful of caring that really gets you in your feels. And now with Tyson he was a straight up monster but hearing him talk in some of his interviews completely changed my pre conceived precession of him. Great content to man I really enjoy your breakdowns of these legendary fights and fighters.

[@aarondigby5054]

When fighting a title fight in Germany once Ali bought all the servicemen on base tickets to attend, a really good hearted person. After he retired he went to Syria and talked Assad into releasing 8 American hostages without any media fanfare, Ali is the GOAT

[@lancertheanswer6351]

Styles truly make fights. A well-earned victory for the "Jaw Breaker." On a side note, It's somewhat hard to watch 70's Ali compared to watching his pre-exile form.

[@BruteStrength99]

Yeah but judging from the Chuvalo fight I don't know how he would've fought the 70s heavyweights that way.

[@HunchoHamza]

Ali not getting knocked out and fighting from round 2 on our w a broken jaw is truly legendary! He never been knocked out truly the goat!

[@fwp502_-_3]

Even harder to watch Ali post-Manila.

[@rayreem3846]

Now u talking boxing boss 🤜🏾🤛🏾

[@thatlonelygiraffeinc.6989]

Nah some of alis best fights are post exile, maybe that because he became so much worse that it finally made fights actually fair on his opponents lmao

[@DILFDylF]

Aw yea bois, I've been waitin' for this, rubbin' my tiny little hands together and cackling

[@UntouchableBreakdowns]

Loved this fight. One of the best I’ve seen. Amazing video once again. Can’t wait for the next 2. These videos are very in-depth and any new boxing fan should watch these. Gives you an insight on what really happens in match’s rather then just savage swinging. This is the sweet science for a reason

[@jimmaculate5]

Hard to watch Ali get beaten up so badly.

[@user-mu1gj1sb6d]

The 70s era was like was filled with legends. Like shark infested waters.

[@ascendantking2178]

Exactly. A free for all

[@Alexander1997T]

Nostalgia... they were average

[@johnryan9626]

I met Ken Norton a long time ago at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Illinois. What a great guy ! He seen me looking at him and he stopped shook my hand and talked to me. Great Guy

[@CFOrigins]

Another great narration David, Thanks

[@johnrife7134]

Watching these fights highlights the weakness of the fight game today. The guys today maybe twice as big but almost all of them are short on heart and character.

[@Hearsticles]

My man Usyk came out as a complete underdog and fought a brilliant fight full of heart and character today. There are guys who still have it.

[@armbarsandstreettacos5485]

This is an inaccurate statement.

[@barrybarnes96]

Andy Ruiz got up off the canvas after taking a punch that would KO a horse and won the belt from Joshua...they're not all without character.

[@cvance37]

If you put the 70's fighters in todays weight lifting, strength training and diet, they would all have at least another 10-15 pounds of muscle. Prime in shape Ali of the 70's would have fought at a chiseled 230 (not puffy) and a puffy but still effective (250) Fraizer would easily be about Tyson size. chiseled 215 - 220. Foreman a good chiseled 245

[@anuradhamalhotra6299]

No man they're just fat and short

[@Robban.D.Jonsson.]

Finally a Norton video, I've been waiting for ages for this one.

[@brendonleary]

This channel is so damned good. I truly hope you are getting a decent purse of all the work you put in, because it is stellar. I will be forever in your debt.

[@sly_tendencies87]

I've been deadass refreshing this all day waiting for the upload at my machine shop. Thank God and thank you to the modern marital artist.

[@Physics072]

Yea I was waiting all day at my 7-11.

[@OscillatorCollective]

One of my all time favorite classic fights. I’m such a mark for NORTON.

[@Mindlabytinth]

this fight is so good even the ref's footwork is on point

[@brians7901]

"I don't think Ali has ever beaten Kenny Norton to tell you the truth" -George Foreman

[@BestWayKilla]

Eddie Futch really had Ali solved, it was two of his fighters who beat him decisively and gave him the toughest fights of his career.

[@whatahwatwhaat]

Pure brilliance, I love your Ali breakdowns, so we NEED Williams vs Ali next! Edit: OKAY STOP ARGUING! Maybe Zora Folley instead of Williams?

[@UntouchableBreakdowns]

There’s a video that wylies boxing has done on it. Pretty good watch

[@whatahwatwhaat]

@@UntouchableBreakdowns I’ll watch it! Thx

[@Confucius202]

Williams was an half invalid when he fought Ali

[@wonderfool1772]

Dont need a break down on that. Williams was past it and got dominated in every way physically possible

[@crazykocounters4741]

No, that's just comlete toture of a lifeless fighter. That's like asking Holmes vs Ali breakdown.

[@sgtgeneweenie]

Ali is the greatest for many reasons; the fact he fought the best array of competitors is one of them.

[@vistarecords4930]

As has been noted, boxing is all about the style matchups. Norton and Frazier gave Ali his toughest fights. Foreman CRUSHED Norton and Frazier. Ali dominated Foreman (it wasn't just 7 rounds of rope-a-dope and then the knockout - Ali dominated the fight, letting Foreman swing wildly doing no damage, and then Ali would counter once Foreman got winded and Ali was the MUCH more accurate puncher). Norton gave Larry Holmes a tough, tough fight, almost retaining his Heavyweight Title (Norton had been appointed champion when Ali vacated the title to rematch Leon Spinks). After that though, Norton was past his prime and couldn't avoid punches the way he had been able to in '74. But Norton owned Ali. He beat him soundly in the first fight, and should have gotten the decision in the third. Norton's style matched up really well against Ali.

[@LeahSpeno]

This is a brilliant analysis. Very insightful. Please break down Ali-Norton 2 so we can see how Ali changed his tactics.

[@christopher19894]

This fight was like a slow, maneuvering chess game, with a closed center. A battle of patience and attrition.

[@Rumpole1000]

What a great fight this was and you've done excellent work in helping us re-live it.

[@aaronweigerber5313]

No mentioning of likes or subs! I'm getting so tired of these! Love it! Liked it right away

[@nagabilly]

Norton was the rare type of fighter who fared better against technicians and defensive fighters than brawlers

[@chunky9791]

How can you not love fights like this? Kudos to the person who had the balls to write Ali & say "The butterfly has been clipped, bee lost its stinger". Bet they never imagined 50 plus years later that paper would be showed on a phone app cause Ali used it as motivation!

[@Anna-tl6oz]

Been waiting for so long, thanks David!

[@eddy-currents]

This was an amazing fight and one of the best breakdowns for sure.

[@QNoland]

Fantastic breakdown! You are a great combat sports mind.

[@kuriaki71]

Ali - Norton ll is probably my favorite Ali fight. Just the way he got in shape and came back, looked like the Ali from the 60s. I’ve always said No heavyweight in history comes close to 60s Ali.

[@STREETBEEFS_]

amazing breakdown

[@niazkhawaja]

Amazing breakdown, specially the last note 📝 Thanks David..god bless

[@fuyu5979]

Awesome analysis breakdown of the fight. Always learn something from watching ur videos. Kudos to u. Anticipating ur next one.

[@dustinhellberg3606]

This is such a great channel. Thank you for the hard work. I think the first one I watched ages ago was on Willie Pep. Excellent breakdown of his footwork.

[@MattanzaMafiaFedora]

Great work as always, David! Also, for a future video, can you please break down Joe Calzaghe vs Bernard Hopkins? I wonder who that note was from?

[@MattanzaMafiaFedora]

@A l p h e u s Maybe Frazier?

[@MattanzaMafiaFedora]

@A l p h e u s They certainly hated each other enough for it.

[@MattanzaMafiaFedora]

@A l p h e u s I still need to read some of that.

[@williedesmond8201]

B hop was old and still gave joe a great fight

[@Jake-pm3pz]

@@williedesmond8201 Yes he was old but he was the champion, top 3 p4p and won the wbc, wba and ibf world titles after losing against calzaghe. So he was still one of the best boxers in the world despite his age.

[@rebeltvr6046]

Ali broke his jaw in round 2, still went 12. Shows how tough he was. One of the toughest chins ever.

[@WarioSaysSo]

Ken Norton was Mohammad Ali's kryptonite. Style makes fight and Ali could never fully figure out Norton, even by his own said words. They fought 3 times and Norton won 1 but the rematches was robbed. Ali won only because of his name. Norton in all 3 fights was the better boxer in the ring. Does that make Norton better? NO. BUT, he was simpley the opponent Ali could not master and topple. It is sad how they could robb Norton....

[@randydavis1943]

While I agree that the 3rd fight was a robbery Ali definitely won the 2nd fight he dominated the first 6 rounds and won the last he also deflected most of Norton punches Ali was boxing beautifully.

[@WarioSaysSo]

@@randydavis1943 Ali won with 2 against 1 score judge a SD contest, and it differed 1-2 rounds so close. Ali was better in this one that is true as he was in better shape, just as Norton always was in great physical condition. Norton had Ali a lot on the defense and Ali had a great final round, a round I believe secured a stolen Norton victory. I can see the argument Ali won the 2nd match. But when watching, I still see Norton being that "thorn" in Ali's style and Ali struggling to topple Norton as Norton's style was constructed as an "Anti-Ali" tactic developed by the late-great Eddie Futch. At least Ali have given Norton his fare credit of being his most difficult opponent in his career. And Joe Frazier his most dangerous opponent And Earne Shavers to be the hardest puncher he ever fought

[@frankhyland6333]

Norton was easily in the top five heavyweights of the era. Tough guy inside the ring, a nice guy outside.

[@frankmorris2603]

Epic stuff. The ref needs some credit too. You don't see footwork from many refs like that now. And how old is he ???

[@joeypierantonis7576]

Ali's worst deficiency, as was normally the case, was underestimating his opponent, which was followed by a lack of training & preparation...(also a lack of motivation) Norton was probably the 4th best HW at that time. Never underestimate Kenny.

[@johnaustin209]

Ali is so overhyped and overrated (yes I say so) that people easily forget he got his ass whopped well a couple times.

[@giovelazquez8872]

@@johnaustin209yeah but he never got knocked out

[@mendelevium2768]

*immediately collapsed at the Thrilla in Manila*

[@giovelazquez8872]

@@mendelevium2768 when bruh

[@Metromania2022]

Ali was given some gift decisions in his career, Norton was one of them.

[@erelfink8822]

Could you go over the LaMotta Robinson saga?

[@jakemartin4305]

That's why Ali was the greatest not cause he never lost its cause he always came back and won and did in a way that showed everyone that he's better 👏👍

[@fearlessartist3457]

It's just crazy that in a third fight Ali was in bad shape and older yet somehow he managed to beat prime Ken Norton. Ali is The G.O.A.T.

[@fatrobdouble]

@@fearlessartist3457 if you watch that third fight, that decision was an absolute joke. By any measurable objective, Norton won the third fight by a margin. (The second fight was incredibly close.) Those aren't judges that night; those were Ali's adoring fans.

[@johnh8546]

@@fatrobdouble I agree Ali lost at least twice to Norton and would have lost twice to Frazier if he was allowed out for their 45th round. I also don't think he would have beat big George if they fought again.

[@fatrobdouble]

@@johnh8546 i agree on all counts, and while i understand why Eddie threw in the towel, i kinda wish he hasn't bc i think Joe would've taken him out. Ali's defeat over George Foreman was incredibly impressive, but the ways he ducked George afterwards were shameful. I don't think he could have beat him a second time, and apparently, Ali didn't believe he could, either. I recognize Ali's greatness; it's clearly apparent. But equally apparent is the illusory nature of casual fans' perception of him. He was great, for sure, one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. But he was also flawed, as a boxer and as a human being.

[@johnh8546]

@@fatrobdouble I agree don't take my comment to say that Ali wasn't a great boxer but he wasn't the greatest not in my mind.

[@boyoffall5478]

Can't wait to see the rematch!!. Love your videos.

[@TheSmarq17]

I remember most of these great heavyweights, but mostly in their later days since I was so young. I truly enjoy all your vids, especially from the older eras, being a lifelong boxing fan. My "expertise" began in the 80s with the great welterweights and my favorite boxer of all-time will always be Alexis Arguello. I hope you can do more of his great fights some time soon. From one boxing fan to another: thank you for your great work and I look forward to more and more in the future.

[@ayoubhamdi6922]

2

[@kincaidnichols2517]

Oh hell yes, more Ali fights! I love these videos, along with all the golden age fights.

[@eyoulmein4506]

Your vids are so great I rewatch them daily

[@TheModernMartialArtist]

Thanks man! I have channels I do that with too, feels great to know some do the same with mine.

[@GabelhelmSogarbraten]

Ive been waiting for this treat thank you so much you got me from not caring about boxing at all to being absolutely obsessed with it

[@tcf2142]

Please do a breakdown of Cleveland Big Cat Williams Vs Ali .... As always great video

[@crazykocounters4741]

No, that's just like asking a breakdown of Ali vs Holmes. Williams deserves respect

[@tcf2142]

@@crazykocounters4741 I agree... But ali was at his prime and the footage available of the fight is of comparatively better quality

[@crazykocounters4741]

@@tcf2142 At least Terrell vs Ali breakdown is better.

[@active.7universal]

@@crazykocounters4741 not at all like Ali Holmes,, Ali was completely shot while cat Williams had 11 or more victories after losing to Ali ..

[@crazykocounters4741]

@@active.7universal kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWjFZYFvp7dkodE

[@Golden108]

The best blow by blow boxing breakdowns and analysis of them all.

[@jk_46]

Awesome breakdown, love the content! Something I didn't think of initially was that Ali probably knew he couldn't dance every round because he didn't take this fight serious as mentioned and probably didn't train hard enough. Ken's body shots sapping the little energy he had left to dance by round 10 had just made everything worse for Ali. And the 8th round footage seems to indicate his jaw might have been broken and the 2nd round punch that wobbled him could very well have been the punch that caused it as Ali had said it was round 2 when it happened.

[@shanekent4896]

Excellent video...more videos on ken Norton please

[@jacobjorgenson9315]

George Chuvalo deserves mentioning as well. Class act and an all time tough guy. To quote Mr. Chuvalo after his loss to ali "He went to the hospital, I went dancing with my wife."

[@coimbrahero]

yes baby. been wanting one or norton for a while. about to blaze one watching this. love

[@markhulce6124]

Thanks for the video. I always liked Norton--as a fighter and as a man. . . In my opinion Norton didn't lose any of his fights with Ali.

[@FuglyStick]

This kind of analysis is a reminder of why boxing is known as the "sweet science."

[@TheAtheistRanger]

Unpopular opinion: Norton was robbed in his 3rd fight with Ali. No one can convince that Norton isnt the only man to beat Ali twice. I have and will always believe that.

[@Robban.D.Jonsson.]

I would consider Frazier the winner of their third match as well.

[@victorianicolau9431]

@@Robban.D.Jonsson. :/

[@free2player553]

"Robbed" is bad word for this. The fight was VERY close and either guy getting the nod would have made sense. I personally scored it for Ali, but I can easily see why someone would score it for Norton instead.

[@adamsasso1]

That was a really fantastic breakdown. Nicely done!

[@luqmannajib5483]

We need the rematch breakdown asap

[@Sultyn10x1]

I love the commentating breakdown. Awesome work brother!!!

[@charlesfrazier9700]

People don’t talk enough about Ali’s sheer toughness.

[@mysteryman480]

Incredibly tough (and very fit too). However, heavyweights were much smaller then than they are now. I think that rope-a-dope could not work nearly as well these days.

[@johnaustin209]

That "Toughness" would come back to haunt him later....Foreman's the one not shaking like Ali in his older age.

[@SouthpawsRule217]

@@johnaustin209 ali's parkinson was genetic

[@johnaustin209]

@@SouthpawsRule217 Yeah right.

[@esdrasmakumbi4438]

@@johnaustin209yea many people who never boxed get Parkinson

[@rishikeshovhal2810]

Hey Christian this was a great breakdown again. Please do the breakdown of 2nd and 3rd fight with Norton too. I searched them before too on your channel. You're a master at breaking down the fights. Keep up the good work. Cheers.

[@snm1michaelmma82]

The greatest era in Heavyweight boxing history, led by the greatest heavyweight of all time.

[@UntouchableBreakdowns]

Agreed buddy

[@binewtv2214]

Greatest athlete of all time

[@mscir]

GREAT analysis, the endurance and quick learning and adjustments Norton made were amazing. Looking fwd to the rematch analysis. Great work. Thank you.

[@lukegould873]

Must say, this is easily some of the best MMA/boxing content on KZbin, you’ve earned full respect and much love. Keep making excellent content man. I hope to see the day your subscriber count and views match the quality of content, as I have to give credit for you being the reason I took up training. Soon gonna purchase one of your books and I’m very excited!

[@UntouchableBreakdowns]

Well said brother

[@TheModernMartialArtist]

Man my channel is so niche I'm bigger than I have any right to be haha. Glad to hear I got you hooked on training!

[@lukegould873]

@@TheModernMartialArtist and classy too. Keep it up man seriously I’m sure what your doing here is gonna get a lot of good people and young ones in the gym learning about discipline and showing them how fun and exciting exercise can be.

[@Nick_792]

Yes! I'm watching this when I get home!

[@LiteralmenteFadul]

This is one of the great underrated fights imo

[@TheModernMartialArtist]

Like Ali vs Frazier 2, I think it was damaged over time by bad camera angles. I would love to see this fight with the angles they had for The Fight of the Century.

[@jimmyc1518]

You're the best in the bizz man, really enjoy these breakdowns and your vast knowledge and understanding of the sport and techniques etc always shows me the fight I didn't see in real time an always learn new stuff, keep up the great work 👍

[@jessejordache1869]

This series has taught me so much about boxing. I used to think Ali was fundamentally unsound and got away with it because of his speed -- I never knew there was so much going on behind the unorthodox tactics.

[@blueterminal7495]

Both Norton and Ali were very scientific, smart, quick thinking fighters and came to mind to mind games when it was between them two. Specially the first and second fights. I would say the first one is an excellent display of mind games. Eddie Futch made a great analysis of Ali's fighting style. Ali on the other hand had thought Norton would go off as anybody else. Ali did a great effort though, pulling out all the tricks in his book. Norton won fair and square and 100% shown Ali was soundly beat, both physically and mentally. But it was awesome how the whole reverse would happen in their second fight. You should do an analysis of the second fight as well. This one was awesome!

[@Wallyworld30]

Ali's brain was turned to mush because he fought so damn often. The human body can't sustain heavy weight damage and then fight another one just one month later. Ali didn't give his brain time to heal. Smoking Joe Frazier was left with similar brain damage. Freaking heart breaking. Now Evander Holyfield is dealing with the same shit.

[@brians9182]

Jerry Quarry suffered from pugilistic dementia. NFL players suffer too.

[@noremac0575]

You can't heal your brain from CTE. Even if you take time off

[@Wallyworld30]

@@noremac0575 I'm not saying your brain heals from CTE what I'm saying is if you give your brain enough time to heal between fights you will never develop CTE. CTE is caused by having tramatic brain injuries while brain is already damaged from a previous tramatic brain injury. If you get concussed or KO'd you should take 6 months off between fights minimum. Ali was fighting every 30 days FFS.

[@Wallyworld30]

@@brians9182 Jerry Quarry and his brother Jeff Quarry both died from CTE. There version was called pugilistic dementia.

[@jasonsweeton8368]

@@Wallyworld30 they didn’t know nothing bout CTE back then it was all called punch drunk, and it was viewed as oh that only happens to a few guys of lower skill that take a lot of punishment and also seemed to only take effect in older age

[@Athalfuns]

Your videos are absolute gold! Thank you so much for all the work you put into them and sharing them with us. Much love from Portugal!

[@Th0ughtZ_]

Norton was super underrated.

[@719603]

Thank you for an excellent video. I thought of Norton as just a hard hitter and you really showed his skills. Also showed that styles make the fight and how you struggle with one opponent easy clap another.

[@Head318Hunter]

Eddie Futch top 5 all time Boxing coach. NO DOUBT

[@TheModernMartialArtist]

I think it's his ability to cut through all the complexity and see the simplest solution. That's a really rare gift. If I had to think of a way for a fighter to beat Ali my plan would be crazy complex. He did it with one simple tactic.

[@Head318Hunter]

@@TheModernMartialArtist Very very true. Like you mentioned it's often the simple strategies that are most effective.