Holmes vs Norton Explained - Fight Breakdown

[@TheModernMartialArtist]

The last round of this fight was just nuts! What are some of your favorite rounds in boxing history? Mortal Weapons Volumes 1 & 2: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CM7KR39M/ref=sr_1_1?crid=13I33OS7CJMMN Mortal Weapons 2: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CM8BF6NX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=UGQNGLR6NP24& Skill Building Books: www.modernmartialartist.com/technique-books-by-tmma-david-christian/

[@OU888]

Hagler vs Hearns, but the last round of this fight is damn close

[@ungarr]

Holmes Wotherspoon rd 9 Gatti Ward 1 rd 9 Bowe Holyfield 1 rd 10 Castillo Carrales rd 10 Barrera Morales 2 rd 5 Vasquez Marquez 2 rd 3 Foreman Lyle rd 5 Ali Foreman rd 8 Weaver Tait rd 15

[@nuttybuster542]

The fourth round of Lyle v Foreman is pure violence, but on a more technical side the ninth round of Leonard vs Hagler, when Sugar started getting his legs back. His combinations off the ropes were a thing of beauty, and Hagler didn't give him an inch - One more i have to mention is the 15th round of Ali v Shavers, seeing Ali in that condition still getting on his toes and backing up Shavers in the final minute will always give me chills, iron will.

[@Paul-f3i8y]

I agree 🥊

[@Paul-f3i8y]

Larry Holmes was a great boxer.

[@sebastiaankrul2403]

This most underrated fight ever. No one ever talks about this but this one is up there with the greatest fights of the 70's

[@SJ44-tu8ow]

Not just the 70’s, this is an all time classic.

[@TechnoLawyer]

One of the finest heavyweight technical battles ever. Probably the finest captured in decent quality film.

[@mustafaatalay212]

Because norton was nothing but a demolished boxer in 1978. After three match with Ali, Norton have made his mind that he will not win title again so his training programe become loosen also he was 35 years old when he fought against holmes. So I mean, this match was nothing but a as a matter of form. However, even though all of thing was favor of holmes , he couldn't beat up norton properly. This a objective evidence of that holmes was overrated.

[@sherrillraymond7595]

Facts

[@mustafaatalay212]

@@sherrillraymond7595 xd

[@wr0ng569]

People do NOT give Holmes enough credit simply because of his fight with Ali, even though he encouraged the judge to stop the fight!

[@SJ44-tu8ow]

True fans know that the amount of heavyweights who were better than Larry could probably be counted on one hand.

[@thewandering01]

Holmes is criminally underrated, at least in public regard (some experts do give him his due), and deserves to be recognized as one of the very best heavyweight champions there ever was.

[@Taima]

It probably didn’t help that Holmes has been ok both sides of how he felt. Back then he said that he loved the man but once he was in the ring he didn’t even know his name. That’s pretty bad for him image wise. Then later on he became far more sympathetic sounding and had that video of him choking up over it

[@jessebell1930]

100% agreed. He was a fantastic boxer and clearly didn't want the fight to go as far as it did. He was busted up emotionally after it (much like Marciano was after fighting Joe Louis). As an interesting juxtaposition Ali had no qualms whatsoever before, during or after flogging 10 shades of shit out of an ancient Archie Moore.

[@irvinmorales1409]

​@@jessebell1930 Archie Moore wasn't as beloved as Ali was. Also, Ali was already showing signs of being punch drunk. Sadly, Holmes was stuck in a no win scenario.

[@petercollin5670]

I'm a fan of all the great old fighters of the 60's, 70's and 80's. Can't believe I never watched this match before. Great battle!

[@TheModernMartialArtist]

It's one of those fights that people should really be talking about more. It probably suffers from the slow start but the end rounds are just insane. How can men that big keep up that pace after each taking so much punishment? Lungs must have hurt way worse than the other guys punches by the end.

[@jamielondon6436]

@@TheModernMartialArtist Pure willpower, probably. Utter insanity. :-o

[@modestoquinto1911]

Foreman vs Holmes would've been a dream-fight. Both defeated Norton..

[@mongoslade277]

​@@modestoquinto1911I'm sure you mean in this era. Foreman retired in 1977. Holmes hit the big stage 1 year later. When Foreman came back in 1987 Holmes was retired. They signed to fight when they both were about 50 years old in the late 1990s but the promoter had money issues and the fight was canceled

[@NormAppleton]

One of the greatest fights ever. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaKToZ-HmM5naMU

[@CraicDealer]

The attitude the public had, and to some extent still have, towards Holmes simply because he had the audacity to beat Ali is actually vile. The only people to blame for Alis' loss are his team for trying to squeeze as much money out of him as possible before he retired, and Ali himself, who let his giant ego override his judgement. Holmes was a truly great boxer and should be remembered as such. Not for his "unseemly" beating of a legend or his loss to Tyson.

[@ungarr]

That maybe true for the youngsters who weren’t alive or old enough throughout Holmes reign to know what the general public perception was at the time. After stopping Gerry Cooney in the 13th round in June 1982, Holmes went out of his way to avoid difficult fights. Surrendering both WBC & IBF titles in the process. Cooney was the number one challenger when Holmes beat him, but Tex Cobb, Lucien Rodriguez, Scott Frank, Marvis Frazier, and Bonecrusher Smith, five of Holmes six opponents since then, would have needed to take a long elevator ride to get anywhere near the top of the ratings. Holmes fought the best competition available during the first four years of his reign and eventually established himself as one of boxing's most respected titlists. However, by avoiding his strongest competition post 1983 , he seriously tarnished the image he worked so hard to create. The boxing public at the time were screaming for a him to fight the likes of Coetzee or Page or Thomas or rematch Carl Williams or Witherspoon. Holmes took the easy road trying to beat Marciano’s record and left fans wanting…

[@L.A.BlueBlood]

​@ungarr Holy sh-t, you are 100,000,000,000% correct! WoooooooooW...... 🤯

[@MaccaveliPL]

​@@ungarrhe didn't surrender the IBF belt.

[@brownie7858]

Watching him lose to Tyson was a huge mark of the change of times

[@aarondigby5054]

Holmes was Ali's sparring partner when Ali fought Foreman in Africa and Frazier in Manilla Phillipines, Holmes was a good student of the game

[@pedrohenrique-zp7us]

Man, the crossguard is so underrated wish it was more used today, the old guard unsderstood its value

[@TheBuckMuscles]

I started boxing when I was seven. I turned 40 this year. The cross and reverse cross guard are my best friends now, as knee and back injuries have limited my agility.

[@cryptomnesiac]

Norton was such a monster, still underrated to this day.

[@jaysdood]

Agreed. If they'd met in their primes I think Norton would have won. That said, Holmes was a hell of a champion and highly underrated too.

[@shanekent4896]

Both Norton and homes are to me, very under rated as boxers. This fight is a classic

[@kakashihatake6176]

Yo that's crazy, l was thinking "this guy's narration would be very interesting to hear about the norton and holmes fight, l wonder when he will post it" and then BAM, he released this banger

[@QenaitheCustodianGuard]

This is what we want to see! Stylistically this match is so damn interesting and you explained it very well. Great job as always!

[@sebastianblackfyre]

This fight is what solidified both man’s legacy as legends and all time greats.

[@SJ44-tu8ow]

One of the best fights in the history of the sweet science, during which both fighters showcased everything that is great about boxing.

[@TheKingKnownAsSilva]

I watched this fight some months ago, right after that I commented on what of your videos and I quote, “ if there is one fight I would like you to make a video on, it is Holmes vs Norton. “ people hyped the fight up tons, I watched the first half and wasn’t really sure because it was a slow start for the fight. But the ending rounds were legendary! The two warriors deserve more praise for this fight. Thank you for this video, happy training!

[@alektech7436]

Don’t have to waych to know this is GONNA BE EPIC! Big shoutout to You David for covering this masterpiece!!!

[@blackbaron0]

I'd thoroughly recommend Champions Forever, where Holmes, Norton, Frasier, Foreman and Ali talk about their careers and fights together. Legends one and all.

[@martindunstan8043]

A lot of people in comments I'm sure will say, like me, Holmes was an excellent fighter but rather than repeat that I just want Norton to be recognised as well, a tough warrior with massive heart,many just remember the 2 round blasting he got from big George but then so did Frazier who also has the same win/lose ratio with Ali as Norton. As much as Holmes is underrated as a great champion Norton is underrated as a very tough, very capable fighter. 👍

[@SKa-tt9nm]

Kenny might be the most underrated boxer of all time.

[@petergreen5337]

❤agreed

[@bobbywise2313]

Kenny was a great fighter who had some great body punches. He was also a class act and a very well spoken man.

[@martindunstan8043]

@@bobbywise2313 totally agree 👍

[@mongoslade277]

I thought Norton won this fight

[@Truth_above_everything]

This one's a banger! One of my favourite fights between my 2 all time favourite fighters!

[@SJ44-tu8ow]

This

[@sebastianblackfyre]

The scene with Muhammand Ali predicting the outcome of the fight is nothing but legendary. Even at that state he’s still sharp and ready to fight as ever. What a beast of a man.

[@SKa-tt9nm]

Ali also said that Ken Norton would beat George Foreman. About a minute later big George almost killed Kenny. Similarly, Ali thought Frazier would beat foreman. George knocked Joe down 6x in 4 rounds. I can go on.

[@lrockyfan5106]

@@SKa-tt9nmgo on…

[@jessejordache1869]

@@SKa-tt9nm Foreman looked extremely beatable to Ali, so he probably assumed that his two most difficult opponents could see it too. The unconscious assumption that another fighter will see an oppenent the same way you do reminds me of Frazier's ringside commentary during Ali-Foreman: "Foreman's not fighting smart. He needs to shorten up his punches." The things is, Foreman couldn't do that because Foreman wasn't Frazier! Frazier could generate a lot of power from short distances, whereas Foreman's power came from his long windup.

[@bobbywise2313]

​@@SKa-tt9nmTo be fair Frazier was a 3 to 1 favorite. So Ali wasn't alone in that one.

[@sebastianblackfyre]

Credit to both fighters for putting up a great show for everybody.

[@sebastianblackfyre]

Larry Holmes was under-appreciated at that time. I’m glad he finally gets the credit he deserves.

[@J1283-s1k]

One of the single best fights ever. This is what Larry Holmes should be remembered as, one of the best to ever do it. I never enjoy when the first example people point to about The Easton Assassin is that silly revenge story between Ali and Tyson 10 years later.

[@williampowell3378]

Yeah

[@holywarrior96]

Please breakdown Evander "The Real Deal" Holyfield's gamelan for Tyson. You'd be perfect guy because you offer an unbiased insight and you'd a great job explaining the circumstances surrounding that fight.

[@lrockyfan5106]

He head butted Tyson several times and finished him off in the 11th round. There.

[@Boxingfan67]

@@lrockyfan5106the headbutts didn’t make Tyson lose. It was the 700 punches he took to the dome that did it

[@ZBOXINGTALK]

Had Norton winning this one. Sucks that he didn’t get the decision as he would have had a win against 2 of the 3 greatest heavyweight champions of all time. These 2 fighters were under appreciated in their day.

[@marleywills2160]

No, but he should of won the 3rd easy. The 2nd I'd give Ali slightly.

[@TheKingKnownAsSilva]

Who do you have as the 3rd greatest?

[@williewest2998]

@@TheKingKnownAsSilvaI got Ali winning the 3rd but barely, Norton took his foot off the gas in the last round.

[@marleywills2160]

@@williewest2998 he didn't win the 3rd. Norton won. No contest. I don't get why people say Norton won all 3. I don't get when people say Ali won the 3rd. Everyone knew Norton was robbed that night.. Ali won 1 out of 3. Officially he won 2 out of 3. But only once he narrowly beat Norton, but he had to train really hard to do it, as Nortons style was difficult for him. Even though Ali was a better overall fighter. By 1976 he gradually deteriorated and Norton easily won. Shame the judges went against him.

[@SKa-tt9nm]

@@williewest2998Ali himself said he lost the 3rd fight.

[@rudygarcia6642]

Always a great day when you upload! It always feels like you put a crazy amount of work into these.

[@TheModernMartialArtist]

It's always so much more work than I think it will be! haha Thank you.

[@sethteeter5225]

I have requested this one so many times I can't believe you're actually doing it thank you so much

[@paulsmith6742]

Just found your channel. Love the way you break the fights down.

[@elwin38]

I was 10yrs old watching this great fight Friday night on ABC. Me and my mom watched in her bedroom.

[@gregoryw.1160]

I first learned about this fight when searching for the best championship fights a few years back. I’m glad that I found it! It is the best heavyweight championship fight I’ve ever seen! It was a war of two strategists with two brilliant and very different styles. Also, it brings to mind once again just how great Ali truly was! In Holmes, Ray Leonard, and Hearns, he had fighters that stylistically learned from him and developed brilliant skills and tactics. In Norton, he had a boxer that specifically developed a style to defeat him! Thanks for picking this fight for study! Is there a better heavyweight championship match in the last 50 years??

[@dpimpernell4050]

You think it's better then Ali v Frasier 1 and possibly 3 but definitely 1?

[@gregoryw.1160]

@@dpimpernell4050 I DO my friend. I rank it higher than Bowe vs. Holyfield, Ali vs. Frazier 3, and Ali vs. Frazier 1. In fact, I think I’ll rewatch Bowe vs. Holyfield 1 to makes sure where I’ll sort it. Ali vs. Frazier 3’s greatness really pushes against it because of Frazier’s heart and Ali’s “cut ‘em [my gloves] off” command! Would he have stood for the bell of Futch hadn’t called it?? But still, this fight was more of a chess match. Frazier had Ali cold in the first fight and everyone knew it INCLUDING Ali.

[@Boxingfan67]

@@gregoryw.1160what I like is that every great fight does not need to have 50 knockdowns. This was a technical battle where 2 greats slugged it out until the end off the fight.

[@codyclark5995]

Brother, I've been begging for you to do this the last 5 years. Thank you

[@maxmustermann9058]

TMMA best Norton hypeman on youtube.

[@romerojackson4405]

Ken Norton and Larry Holmes. Two legends of heavyweight

[@LDTOK-zs8oz]

I saw this fight on live tv and Holmes and Norton hated each other which helped make this fight special.

[@okeynwachie]

DUUUUDE!!! your narration for that last round gave me chills!!! Absolutely great stuff. #immortalized

[@julianvidovic7028]

I love how going into this fight, I don't have any preferred person I would want to win. You just get to see 2 amazing fighters war it out for 15.

[@gian323]

Great to see these fire vids again! Holmes probably the most underrated heavyweight champ ever. Such a crazy fight too, would have easily been fight of the year in today's era. 15 rounds of this is so insane

[@UraniumFractal]

I like to think my comment inspired you (probably not), but I’m so happy you analysed this fight! One of the most interesting stylistic matchups I’ve seen in the ring.

[@StimmedPenguin]

Such a great ebb and flow fight of contrasting offenses and defenses. Cross arm guard counter jabs vs drive by jabs. Cross arm parry/bob-and-weave loaded overhands and left hooks vs head control, guard manipulated 1-2 variations. Will and cardio vs will and cardio.

[@arrownibent5980]

What an absolute war this was, so incredibly close and competitive, technical and savage. I think this one I'll come to rewatch several times, thanks for highlighting it

[@royhall8472]

That, my friend, in my opinion is your best video yet. Excellent work.

[@MoshHewson]

Yo, timing the photos taken with the shots in the footage was VERY cool Absolutely appreciated it so so much

[@donavonhoward114]

Part of me always wished that Ken Norton got the favorable decision in that fight. Holmes was going to be a champion regardless of winning this fight or not. For Ken Norton, it was his last chance to defend his title, and solidify his status as WBC champ. This was the last war he had in his body, and it is probably one of the 3 or 4 greatest heavyweight bouts in history. With that said, Ken Norton was a deserving champion anyways whether he claimed the vacant championship by default or not, and everyone knew he was among the greatest fighters to ever do it. He was a pivotal part of the Golden Era of heavyweight's in boxing. This version of Larry Holmes was at his fastest, strongest, and most durable in 1978, and Ken Norton had already been in so many great battles, yet he was still game enough to take on the most skilled heavyweight of all time in a fight that could have went either way. He also gave Ali his second defeat, and also should have won the third fight against Ali as well. Ali never actually beat Ken Norton. His style was kryptonite to boxer/movers who relied heavily on their jabs, and straight punches.

[@User2jn]

It's crazy how the stories of the boxers from the golden era of boxing intertwine together as if it were like a movie. Its almost as if destiny intended the greatest men to meet at one point in time to make history that humankind could not forget.

[@sirrando]

You did such a good job on this one. Sublime

[@enreeekay2754]

Thanks for taking my suggestion! Loved the breakdown! Keep it up!

[@SandroMassarani]

Two legends. One of the greatest fights of all time.

[@seiyulyu4854]

Love this one. Holmes and Norton, two of the more underrated heavyweights ever.

[@marcobrown8403]

Thanks for making a video on this immortal match. You always deliver.

[@bghyst]

One of your best scripts ever! Not only great moment by moment breakdown of the sweet science employed by these two men but lyrical, evocative, Norman Mailer-esque. Thank you!

[@NicoDsSBCs]

This was awesome. What a war and great commentary.

[@TheBankofJosh]

We need Holmes vs Shavers !

[@serenityinside1]

So glad you’ve chosen this fight .. at last (!) to breakdown David. And as usual you have done this classic bout proud.👍. A lot of younger fight fans won’t have seen it and understand its significance so…. I think this is the fight of Ken Nortons career that shows him at his best and what he was - what a warrior ! Reminds me of Joe Frazier in his strength and relentless forward motion . Great stuff on a classic ⭐️

[@timephire]

Awesome storytelling in this one, really hit hard like these two great warriors!

[@Brody-cx5vl]

One of the best heavyweight fight I have ever watched. The endurance and conditioning both had was amazing for big guys.

[@carloscallejaalvarez3079]

Great editing, your channel just keeps getting better and more technical. The part with the pictures frozen in time was particularly inspiring❤

[@POSHMODS]

This was a brilliant fight! The last great war of the golden era of boxing

[@aarondigby5054]

Ain't no one considered Holmes before this fight. Holmes did show his courage and determination

[@zeusm11]

“20 fight Championship tenure.” This sentence alone is mind blowing. Both men left it all in the ring, as fans of the sport, its fighters like these two that make the sport a beauty.

[@AnaamSings]

Your narration - literally no one even pros imo can touch it.

[@jeffcastetter6122]

Split decision, with all 3 judges having given their pick a one point advantage! By a whisker!

[@ParisLawLess]

This is some insanely good narration and storytelling

[@SirDerp909]

It seems like everybody was staring at each other at the beginning! 😂

[@som1980]

You can definitely see Ali’s influence in Holmes style. What a match!

[@closefomo]

Thank you! I have BEEN asking for this

[@brownie7858]

I feel like Norton is getting overlooked by peoples love for Holmes. Norton is my favorite underrated fighter.

[@stephenbanks5860]

Agree, but I think Norton gets overlooked by people's love for Ali more.

[@georgehakimian5949]

This may have been one of, if not the best, heavyweight fight I've ever seen.

[@jimnagel5611]

I WATCHED THAT FIGHT -- THEY ABSOLUTELY BEAT THE SNOT OUT OF EACH OTHER

[@rexscipio3344]

Yeah Holmes was probably a top 5 heavyweight all-time given his number of title defenses. He just happened to suffer from being the bridge between the Ali and Tyson era's.

[@brysonboiyeet]

Holmes was the MOST underrated champion of all time, even over shavers UNREGARDED

[@aloysiusfee1687]

I remember this fight I was 9 years old & the fight was on Friday night on ABC free 📺 the way it ought 2 be & it was 15 rounds. 😲

[@TheChilledScrub]

Beautiful stuff man love your work.

[@masterred8958]

One of the best heavyweight fights.

[@lmoral222]

I like how these boxers rather stand and fight than clinch when pressured. Like Pacquiao. Other boxers will clinch when under fire, not these absolute warriors

[@THEsoulquarian]

Another dope vid on 2 champions and warriors. I’m glad they lowered the rounds 12 tho. Even omitting the deaths, 15 always seemed like a bit much.

[@jogglehead]

Norton is the unluckiest heavyweight of all time. He beat Ali two times out of three - he was robbed in their third fight where he should have been awarded the undisputed championship.

[@DaniG._.German]

I've heard people say the jab is the shield, the back hand is the sword.

[@nunosousa154]

Your videos are extraordinary art, I'm in aw at your continues improvement in expressing your deep knowledge with this video art form, congrats

[@twistedtrailerparktales2126]

Great video as always. I know you've probably got this request already but would you consider breaking down the stand up of the new UFC MW champ Sean Strickland?

[@big_ry82]

Only just discovered this channel but holy shit. As a fighter im like "I want this kid in my corner for the last couple I have left" Brilliant analysis and wisdom. Im subbed and will happily slip you some money. Good to hear consise, methodical analysis from a stranger. I wish you nothing but the best. It may be a hobby for you, but Im guessing you are in the trade. Regardless, thanks for a brilliant video. Keep it up.

[@notaneboyofficial1679]

One of my favorite fights

[@BrianCharles-t6f]

Holmes was an absolute master and in my top 5 of all time. He was a mean SOB that would jab you silly and then go to work with that clubbing right hand, a very accurate puncher that also happened to be an excellent boxer with one of the best chins in boxing. some people only see the old man Holmes that got ko'd by Mike Tyson but that 39 year old inactive man wasn't the prime Holmes that ruled the division for 10 years before mike Tyson.

[@MrManWithPlan]

Norton was the man who deserved the title like no one else but never truly had it’s I mean sure he had the WBC for like two months because of bs politics and he never won a title bout. Tbh he was robbed in the third Ali fight in 1976.

[@joemamma137]

17:42 is that Stallone and Chevy Chase?

[@rafaelvazquezcanale1759]

thats stallone and duran

[@357_SWAGNUM_MAGA_X]

Was that rocky balboa at 18.09 mark in middle of screen.

[@elijahjamescomia2601]

FINALLY I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS SINCW I FIEST WATCHED THE FIGHT

[@borisbabich]

I love your narration. Thanks.

[@alangrace8628]

Norton, as the champion should have got the decision. He beat Ali in their third fight also... Norton got a rough deal from boxing judges over the years.

[@tailung9680]

Sir could you please make a skills and technique breakdown of Dwight Muhammad Qawi, please ❤

[@stevestarr9769]

Truly a great fight.

[@Mil_Spec_Spartan_]

I actually look a lot like Norton when I box. I use a modified cross guard/philly shell with a steady combination of slugging and counterpunching

[@MrManWithPlan]

So imma big guy. I’m about 200lbs at 6’3. And my style resembles a blended shit stain mix of Thomas hearns and Ken Norton.

[@Mil_Spec_Spartan_]

@@MrManWithPlan dude I’m 200 lbs at 5’10”…. with a six pack xD…. basically strength is my best attribute because I do not specialize in speed

[@MrManWithPlan]

@@Mil_Spec_Spartan_ jeez you must be dense. I’m really lean. Not a stick figure

[@Mil_Spec_Spartan_]

@@MrManWithPlan been lifting weights since I was like 13 and I genetically have quads for days 😂

[@MrManWithPlan]

@@Mil_Spec_Spartan_ that’s insane.

[@vonholland64]

That was a great fight and could’ve gone either way.

[@jessebell1930]

A brutal distance with two brutal fighters.

[@senorfish2503]

Everyone commenting about Holmes, don't disrespect Norton. Dude was a beast who beat Ali and broke his jaw.

[@ghasankanafani7075]

Thanks for these contents. I have learnt a lot from your videos ,specially your technique breakdowns. Also my friend has a copy of 'Footwork wins fights'. We don't have your other books yet. We have found your and Mark Hatmaker's books legit. Your book specially is great for combat nerds like us. Could you please make some videos for the more complex footwork.

[@emman2727]

Wow...I never knew that fight was SO INTENSE !! I began watching boxing in the Tyson era...so...there are some boxing classics that, sadly, I don't know about😢.

[@sebastianblackfyre]

Can you do Julio Cesear Chavez vs Meldrick Taylor?

[@adrianronquillo507]

One of the all time great prizefights 🥊

[@jamielondon6436]

Incredible battle.

[@47thRONIN]

Can you do Cro Cop vs Fedor?

[@rileysmith117]

Both are are legends.The fight was a back in forth war. Figth showed hall of Fame skills.

[@Alberts_Stuff]

Who else noticed Rocky in the crowd?