Joe Frasier must've been so intimidating face-to-face in the ring. He's like a steam train that just isn't going to stop no matter what happens. Relentless. Always moving forward. Always ready to break your ribs/jaw with a hook. Simply amazing!
Nobody is perfect. He used the tools he had with the style he was able to implement effectively. It worked vs. every opponent but George. Some guys physical make up and style just don't match up well. Look at Norton vs. Ali for example. Norton was Ali's kryptonite, I think he won all 3 of those fights and no matter what Ali did, he couldn't shake Norton, and Ali was as smart a fighter as there ever was.
@@joeblough261 that steam train is stupid, that's why ali,Forman took him apart,he steamed train right into unnecessary blows that's why Forman knocked Frazier up into the air
@@joeblough261 that's true but ali was never destroyed by no one, he might have lost some fights and most those he deserved that,because of his clowning around with fighters like spinks,Norton, his first fight with Frazier he lost but look at how Frazier looked he didn't look like a winner
@@jaywalker2872 It's because they were close friends; Holmes and Spinks fought twice despite both being trained by Futch...although he elected to sit those out.
@@jaywalker2872 You don't seem to understand my point - I said Norton and Frazier didn't fight because they were close friends, not necessarily because both were trained by Futch. Norton's management fired Futch after the second Ali fight (btw).
Mike 4457 remember now spars are 3 rounds and Frazier is a bad starter he needs a round or two to read his opponents rhythm. I could only imagine he doesn’t do too good in sparring but in a longer fight he would be better. Long story short the longer the fight the better for Frazier
I'd be terrified if I had to get in a ring with Frazier. That bob and weave movement is ridiculous! How the hell do you hit him? And then take into account he's just waiting to unleash that hook. So now you have to stress about that! Massive nightmare.
@@jj80808 in this video you can clearly tell that Frazier wasn’t in his rhythm yet. It takes around 4 rounds for him to really start smoking, and most sparring matches don’t go for many rounds.
If you were of nortons stature, you can face Joe more side on and tend to drift to your left, slow the pace, bait joe to throw hes left then (providing you have the reflexes) hit him over hes left temple with a sharp right
And he's short foreman stopped all that u have to trade punches with him he's a slugger as he once said his style is knock me out or I will knock you out
Kenny was tall like Foreman and had a great jab. Joe does take about 4 rounds to warm up which means Norton would probably have a lead in a fight between the two. Frazier at this time was already legally blind in his left eye. Against a fighter like Quarry or Bugner Joe could consistently land that long looping left hook. But against a smarter stronger younger and faster opponent like Ken Norton not so much. And Norton had a brutal right uppercut that would have been working all night against the slower and ducking into punches of a Joe Frazier. Frazier would never fight Norton and in this brief clip, we can see why. Just as Ali had a hard time with Norton so would a slow Joe Frazier. His time had passed.
@@911FitClub George foreman kept pushing him antime frazier got close and the referee never warned foreman. By the time frazier fought foreman, frazier was overweight and lost a lot or speed. But even a prime joe frazier at 205 pounds would not beat foreman because foreman had too much power. Frazier would take punched to give some. Styles make fights.
It's not mentioned much, but Fraser should've retired after 71 he clearly didn't have the same desire after that. Both he and Ali should've been retired by mid 70s.
Joe had so much respect for Ken. He said that if they actually fought he honestly didn't know who would win. I think Joe would win but for him to have that high regard for Norton is a testament to how good Ken was.
@@dontascott1369 I still think Joe would have won but it wouldn't have been an easy victory. Ken always crumbled against punchers. Joe didn't hit as hard as Foreman, Shavers, or Cooney but he was a relentless puncher with a devastating left hook. I think Ken would have succumbed in the late rounds but he would have left Joe really busted up with cuts and swellings.
Frazier was being kind, he would have destroyed Norton. Other than Ali once, who did Norton ever beat? His next best win was against a mediocre Jimmy Young in his prime or a washed up Jerry Quarry at the end of his career. Norton lost every significant fight in his career outside of the Ali win. In 3 title fights, he lost to Foreman, Ali, and Holmes.
took it's toll though.....the style made for a shortened career. It's the way Joe had to fight and Yank convinced Joe of it. Joe was a great student with a great work ethic, until he beat Ali, then he never trained the same after that. Joe peaked in March of 1971.
Incredibly draining to do & way too predictable to time eventually,as Foreman did to him.Mike Tyson's side to side version was much more fluid,& you never knew which hook you were gonna get or when.With Joe,you could time his up & down bob better & the wind up on his left hook sometimes. Especially as he got older & having a bad eye.Ali tied him up more in the 2nd fight,but he really tagged Frazier up in the 3rd fight.🥊
No he wasn't look at all the fight again ali . Ali made Joe retire early cause he might go blind he he kept fighting did Joe face after ali & Forman fight stop both overrated
Norton and Frazier were from the same camp and used to spar with each other. When Ali was to fight Norton for the first time in 1973, Frazier has given a reminder that Ali will have a difficult time. True enough, Ali admitted that Norton was an opponent that had given him the most troubles.
@@jayaduttabhoumik784 Yes, but many fighters have fought with broken jaws. See the first fight of Mike Tyson vs Razor Ruddock. Ruddock's jaw was broken in the fourth round, and he continued on for another eight rounds. I couldn't do it. LOL. But these elite fighters can. Ali said if he had fought another round with Frazier in Manilla he may have died. He never said that about Norton.
WoW! I always knew that Kenny Norton was Joe Frazier's sparring partner back in the day. But this is the first time I've ever seen those two sparring together! I think at that time Norton was still learning to fight, while Frazier was at his best and a world class fighter! Thanks for uploading this.
Absolutely true that he was able tobob and weave and miss a lot of the big shots. The biggest problem for Fraser was that Ali was allowed to hold for all three fights, taking a lot of energy out of the aggressor frazier. Should've been penalized never was
This is great footage! Almost like modern coverage, where it feels like one is almost in the ring. Here I can see the fantastic head movement and ducking and weaving of Frazier. Norton had a great jab, but most were missing because of Joes movement. Of course, as other have said, it’s good to remember this is a sparring session, where the kinks get ironed out or you try new things or just work on “fight” fitness. Two great fighters.
And when he’d revert back to his own style you could see how ineffective his Jab became . I think Frazier would’ve destroyed him if they fought in their primes . JMO
This was NOT 'prep' for Ali; it was prep for Ellis. Ali had not even gotten wind of any license possibility and wasn't even in consideration at this point. In fact, he had announced his retirement.
@@Ken-Oh. They were very similar . They bobbed and weaved the same , both had a good boxing brain . The real difference was power . Tyson was ruthless and wouldve beaten Joe . Tyson was more of a swarmer than Joe was but with more power .
@@Lord_Hillcrest Frazier bob and weave, and tyson PEEK A BOO. The real difference is Frazier legendary hearth, durability and stamina, Frazier can go 15 rounds with Ali and keep fighthing, Tyson fights 5-6 rounds and he lost his power and stamina, also, the left hook of Frazier is the best in HW division in history, better than any tyson punch. If tyson cant KO Frazier in 4-5 rounds, wich is impossible, then godbye tyson.
Been wait most of my life to see this, Norton would hold his own early, as you could see he’s able to catch Frazier but by about round 8 Frazier would just grind him down. Frazier win in my opinion. Great footage 👍
Im not sure. Frazier didnt have the same power as foreman and shavers to ko norton.. his hook was powerful couse he had speed. While foreman and shaver were natural punchers.
@@crazykocounters4741 Depends on the fighter. Some like Ali went easy, often letting his sparing partners whale away at him, so he could build up tolerance to big punches. Others like Liston, Foreman, and Tyson, often punished their sparing partners, knocking out two or three per session. You can see Joe isn't swarming the young Norton like he would've in a real bout. Joe liked Norton very much and said it was no surprise to him that Norton was able to upset Ali.
It was only boxing sparring. Many boxers (except tyson :D) don't give all thing against sparring partner. Probably Joe frazier didn't want hurt Norton and you can see frazier only try defence himself.
Absolutely fascinating footage! Only wish there was more. Its only during sparring close up like this that you can see what a tough sport boxing really is. What an era for boxing when you think what both of them would go on to do after this throughout the 70's!
Wow! Frazier huffing and snarling like a pit bull. Looks like he's mostly working on closing the distance and barely letting shots go when he gets inside. Norton looks to be working overtime just to make it difficult for Frazier but doesn't seem sustainable in a real fight unless he could light him up a few times with heavier shots. Must be awe inspiring to see this kind of work from big dudes like this in the gym.
Youth. Nothing replaces youth. Norton's jab was insane, like a whip flicking over & over. Where did that jab go in his prime? And he was so light on his feet-not the Right foot dragging Boxer he was all his career. Sure, there's so much more a fighter can do without the intense Nerves of a real fight in the mix. And Ken's Uppercut! This makes me think Norton had a chance against his best friend Frazier in a real fight. He dominated in this short film. Then I wake up. Norton looks like a different man here. Joe was Joe, like a rushing freight train comin head on towards you. And we know how Norton did against that style. Great Vid! RIP Both.
Norton didn't do well vs guys who could pressure him and force him to move backwards. Norton's chin problems are very well documented. Norton didn't have Foreman like power, so, Joe takes out Norton once he started to get to him.
Thanks for this fantastic upload. It looks as if Norton is mimicking the 70s version of Ali to prep Frazier. Didn't know Foreman could box and move like that and always thought there was no footage of them in the ring together, despite being in the same camp for several years under Eddie Futch until, (IIRC) Futch was reluctantly 'forced' to make a choice due to their schedules, Frazier's pending 3rd fight with Muhammad Ali and a promise he gave to Frazier's original trainer Yank Durham before Durham passed away.
Ken Norton was helping to prepare Joe Frazier for his fight with Ali. It should be noted that if you tie up a fighter like Joe Frazier it is very hard them to do damage when they get on the inside body punching is a form of art because of the simplicity but a very effective strategy. Ken Norton a world champion was very underrated but he was a great fighter.
No he wouldn't have destroyed him. You can see how Norton can turn him and can move away from his pressure. He might not win but it would be a good fight.
I disagree. Unless Joe caught him early, it woulda been a Helluva fight. At this point in time though, around 1970, my money woulda been on Frazier, as he was near his peak. Norton didn't peak until 1973-1974, so different peak times......
Wow... I've been a fan of the twilight Heavyweight boxing ever since my dad got me studying boxing back in 1996. We always watch the old fights and would of love to see this match up. But thanks for the upload, a dream come true. 🙏🏿💜💛😎
Wow! I've often thought of the big 4 (Ali, Frazier, Foreman, Norton), Norton and Frazier never fought. Glad to see that they sparred as a possible prelim on what might have been... Good post, brother!
Norton was throwing more sauce. Frazier was tempering his shots way more. Frazier wins this one on both their best days. Edit: This was a comment from 2 years ago that I forgot I made so Ill add to it- The more I watch Frazier and the more I listen to his interviews; the more I realize he was only one TINY click below the greatness of Ali. And thats like trying to out do the sun. Frazier was incredible. When he was “smokin” and movin so rhythmically like did it was art. Flowing. Perfection. Linear. Timing of rolls. Rotation. Execution. Timing of punches off the roll. Brilliance. Unique.
Def my favorite fighter not huge or lightning quick or amazing defense just good movement good pressure and a smoking cannon he called a left hook that made people crumble
Quote from Joe Frazier: "We worked together and sparred, but that's as far as I wanted to go with him. Eddie and Yank wanted two or three rounds, but I wanted only one round with him. There were days when I called in sick because I knew I had to spar with him that day. I didn't wanna fight Ken, I wanted no part of him. It would have been a rough fight, and I don't know if I would have won; but let's just say I probably have a little more use of my brain today because I didn't have to fight Ken Norton."
Norton is imitating ali so he jabs at range and doesn't square up like he usually does, he is very strong physically if he fights cross guard I believe he will turn frazier in the same manner foreman did and catch him with uppercuts but I think both in their primes I'd put them relative or almost = to eachother in a fight
Wow this is a rare gem; I remember back in the day they never thought because they were friends so this is the next best thing. It looks like it would've been a good fight
This is beautiful. I believe that if Norton would be able to utilize that jab in a real fight between them, he’d win on points. Look at that reach advantage. If Frazier were to win, I’d say he’d win by KO in the later rounds
I always wondered how Norton would have fought Frazier, going forward or moving. He's moving here but he could be could be helping Joe prepare for Ali or that kind of style. Norton had an underrated jab, very good jab.
Fantastic footage, from this brief clip I think it is safe to assume that Joe would have chased Ken Norton out of the ring. While he was a very good fighter Ken Norton could not fight well backing up as he proved against all the big punchers that he faced. If he had fought Joe Frazier he would have been backed up and with his non stop attack Joe would have gotten that left hook in their to put Ken away. Thank you again for this great footage. P.S. is there anymore film of this sparring session?
But fraizer didnt had the same power as foreman cooney or shavers. .he wasnt a natural puncher. IT was just speed for Years training by. Fraizer wouldnt have ko norton. And norton was a tough fighter too
Wow very rare footage. Well done for finding this 👍 I heard they were friends and didn't want to fight each other as pros. So this sparing is a taste of what might have been if they had fought.
I read that they were good friends, looks like Norton is somewhat mimicking Ali with popping out that jab and moving so much, because Norton never moved that much in a fight. Man that relentless constant pressure by Frazier.
Both of these fighter's gave Ali ALL he could handle. Both basically fought Ali to a draw if you combine total rounds. One knocked Ali down and brought him closer to Allah than any other man; while the other broke his jaw and arguably won their 3rd fight. It is written
Norton doing a good impression of Ali here throwing jabs on the back foot. It wasn't his normal style but perhaps they already had the 'fight of the century' in mind.
Joe Frazier is making Ken Norton fight so differently then Norton USUALLY fights.. Norton usually moves forward arms crossed, dragging his back foot behind him.. Here Norton is moving mostly backwards (some side to side).. No forward motion.. flicking a Jab. He looks like he's imitating ALI. But this says early 1970.. & you can hear Yank Durham's voice.. so it its early 70s. Frazier had NOT fought ALI yet (and ALI had not returned to fight Jerry Quarry until late October 1970). So, this is interesting, being that Frazier and Norton never fought professionally
This was NOT 'prep' for Ali; it was prep for Ellis. Ali had not even gotten wind of any license possibility and wasn't even in consideration at this point. In fact, he had announced his retirement.
Kenny was a really really good. But smokin' Joe Frazier is definitely one of the best heavyweights all time. Real real real under appreciated given he came in the same era as Ali Holmes Foreman. But Frazier is absolutely terrifying man.
That wudda been a great fight, my money wudda been on smokin Joe but Norton seems to be handling himself quite comfortably here working well behind the jab, cool video.
George Foreman fought an overweight Joe Frazier, if he had fought a prime Frazier the outcome of their fight would have been different, said George Foreman himself in an interview...
George Foreman's greatest wins were against Frazier and Moorer. Most will argue that NO version of Frazier beats Foreman which is totally believable due to his swarming style that plays right into Foreman's power zone. Late 60s Frazier before the first Ali fight was a beast that Foreman didn't face. I believe Joe in better shape could take George into deeper waters and drown him had he fought him the same way he fought Chuvalo. Foreman was able to put Joe away where Oscar Bonavena failed.
Went to Philly once in late 90s for an academic conference. Right after I checked in at my hotel, I hopped on train into North Philly to see the legendary Frazier Gym. (Talked AI with a young man on the way.) The Champ wasn't there, but his son Marvis was, training a light-heavyweight. We spoke briefly about Mark Kram's magisterial The Ghosts of Manila. He said that his father liked the book.
Frazier's style is crazy. He takes hits to the head to try and reach you. He's like a real life Rocky Balboa... blocking the punches with his head to get to you.
what are you talking about? joe slips ducks and weaves, does little blocks, doesnt back up, gets inside. maybe to an untrained eye he takes shots to the face
@@blackhoodie4170 I know he ducks and weaves, but when he gets hit, he's amplifying the impact cause he's always moving forward. He's willing to take those his to get to you. Not a style you want if you want to last very long in the boxing business.
Joe Frasier must've been so intimidating face-to-face in the ring. He's like a steam train that just isn't going to stop no matter what happens. Relentless. Always moving forward. Always ready to break your ribs/jaw with a hook. Simply amazing!
joe was ready to smoke you
Frazier wasn't a smart fighter, keep moving forward like that is why ali,Forman destroyed him chasing a boxer can get you hurt fast.
Nobody is perfect. He used the tools he had with the style he was able to implement effectively. It worked vs. every opponent but George. Some guys physical make up and style just don't match up well. Look at Norton vs. Ali for example. Norton was Ali's kryptonite, I think he won all 3 of those fights and no matter what Ali did, he couldn't shake Norton, and Ali was as smart a fighter as there ever was.
@@joeblough261 that steam train is stupid, that's why ali,Forman took him apart,he steamed train right into unnecessary blows that's why Forman knocked Frazier up into the air
@@joeblough261 that's true but ali was never destroyed by no one, he might have lost some fights and most those he deserved that,because of his clowning around with fighters like spinks,Norton, his first fight with Frazier he lost but look at how Frazier looked he didn't look like a winner
Wow, a treat to get to watch these two in the ring sparring like this. Rest in peace Joe & Kenny.
Its weird watching norton stick and move on the out side im pretty sure he was helping frazier get ready for ali right here
Maybe, but it was also just part of being a good boxer both norton and ali
Exactly
He was preparing for the fight with Jimmy Ellis. Ali was Still in Exile.
I was thinking the same thing
Nice call… Norton is definitely doing his best Ali impression
Always dreamed a fight between them. At least able to see them together in the ring 👍 Thanks for sharing
I Did Too. But I Think Frazier Would've Beaten Norton Because Norton Always Had Trouble With Sluggers Who Came Right At Him.
I Think Frazier Would've Beaten Norton In A Real Fight, Because Norton Always Had Trouble With Sluggers Who Came Right At Him.
@@jaywalker2872 It's because they were close friends; Holmes and Spinks fought twice despite both being trained by Futch...although he elected to sit those out.
@@jaywalker2872 You don't seem to understand my point - I said Norton and Frazier didn't fight because they were close friends, not necessarily because both were trained by Futch. Norton's management fired Futch after the second Ali fight (btw).
bro seriously! god I wish they fought
The pressure Joe put on was intense must be hell to fight against
Plus that was only a spar only a short fight if it was a real fight it would’ve been a win for Frazier
@@StrikeXP Norton looked incomplete control to me
Mike 4457 remember now spars are 3 rounds and Frazier is a bad starter he needs a round or two to read his opponents rhythm. I could only imagine he doesn’t do too good in sparring but in a longer fight he would be better. Long story short the longer the fight the better for Frazier
@Michael Oberg Norton was a hell of fighter fought in a great era
It must have worn fighters out mentally aswell trying to keep him off,the longer the fight went the more joe would come on fuck that shit
Frazier is such a beast
Thank God you posted this. I wonder if there are any videos of Joe Frazier’s sparring with Larry Holmes
@Zachary Krupski Where?
@Zachary Krupski , What do you mean "Frazier mopped the floor with Holmes" ? Did you mean Holmes knocked down Frazier many times during sparring?
More heart than almost any other fighter
@@Infam0usKiller Holmes was Ali’s training partner. I could be wrong but I don’t think he and Joe ever sparred
I'd be terrified if I had to get in a ring with Frazier. That bob and weave movement is ridiculous! How the hell do you hit him? And then take into account he's just waiting to unleash that hook. So now you have to stress about that! Massive nightmare.
Jab uppercut,mainly. As seen in this video and many of his matches though easier said than done
@@jj80808 in this video you can clearly tell that Frazier wasn’t in his rhythm yet. It takes around 4 rounds for him to really start smoking, and most sparring matches don’t go for many rounds.
If you were of nortons stature, you can face Joe more side on and tend to drift to your left, slow the pace, bait joe to throw hes left then (providing you have the reflexes) hit him over hes left temple with a sharp right
And he's short foreman stopped all that u have to trade punches with him he's a slugger as he once said his style is knock me out or I will knock you out
Kenny was tall like Foreman and had a great jab. Joe does take about 4 rounds to warm up which means Norton would probably have a lead in a fight between the two. Frazier at this time was already legally blind in his left eye.
Against a fighter like Quarry or Bugner Joe could consistently land that long looping left hook. But against a smarter stronger younger and faster opponent like Ken Norton not so much. And Norton had a brutal right uppercut that would have been working all night against the slower and ducking into punches of a Joe Frazier.
Frazier would never fight Norton and in this brief clip, we can see why. Just as Ali had a hard time with Norton so would a slow Joe Frazier. His time had passed.
The pressure Frazier put on his opponents, must be hard to keep up. Relentless machine 🥊
@@911FitClub yes he was an exception
@@911FitClub Different styles. Frazier was made for George.
@@911FitClub George foreman kept pushing him antime frazier got close and the referee never warned foreman. By the time frazier fought foreman, frazier was overweight and lost a lot or speed. But even a prime joe frazier at 205 pounds would not beat foreman because foreman had too much power. Frazier would take punched to give some. Styles make fights.
@@911FitClub because pressure makes an easy night for a puncher
It's not mentioned much, but Fraser should've retired after 71 he clearly didn't have the same desire after that. Both he and Ali should've been retired by mid 70s.
Joe had so much respect for Ken. He said that if they actually fought he honestly didn't know who would win. I think Joe would win but for him to have that high regard for Norton is a testament to how good Ken was.
Glad to see this I wonder what would happen with them two in a 15 rounder
@@dontascott1369 I still think Joe would have won but it wouldn't have been an easy victory.
Ken always crumbled against punchers. Joe didn't hit as hard as Foreman, Shavers, or Cooney but he was a relentless puncher with a devastating left hook.
I think Ken would have succumbed in the late rounds but he would have left Joe really busted up with cuts and swellings.
Ali wouldn't argue, if he was being honest.....
I agree with you, i think Joe would've walked him down!
Frazier was being kind, he would have destroyed Norton. Other than Ali once, who did Norton ever beat? His next best win was against a mediocre Jimmy Young in his prime or a washed up Jerry Quarry at the end of his career. Norton lost every significant fight in his career outside of the Ali win. In 3 title fights, he lost to Foreman, Ali, and Holmes.
Frazier really was a master of head movement; and the stamina was intense. Imagine all that movement for 15 rounds 😯🙏
took it's toll though.....the style made for a shortened career. It's the way Joe had to fight and Yank convinced Joe of it. Joe was a great student with a great work ethic, until he beat Ali, then he never trained the same after that. Joe peaked in March of 1971.
Yeah he used his head as a speed bag, when he fought ali
Incredibly draining to do & way too predictable to time eventually,as Foreman did to him.Mike Tyson's side to side version was much more fluid,& you never knew which hook you were gonna get or when.With Joe,you could time his up & down bob better & the wind up on his left hook sometimes. Especially as he got older & having a bad eye.Ali tied him up more in the 2nd fight,but he really tagged Frazier up in the 3rd fight.🥊
No he wasn't look at all the fight again ali . Ali made Joe retire early cause he might go blind he he kept fighting did Joe face after ali & Forman fight stop both overrated
@@frederickhunter4649lol facts
Norton and Frazier were from the same camp and used to spar with each other. When Ali was to fight Norton for the first time in 1973, Frazier has given a reminder that Ali will have a difficult time. True enough, Ali admitted that Norton was an opponent that had given him the most troubles.
I don't see how Norton gave Ali the most trouble. Sure, he broke his jaw, but Frazier put him down in New York, and hurt him in Manilla.
A broken jaw would even hurt someone as Ali don't you think... 🤔🤔🤔
@@jayaduttabhoumik784 Yes, but many fighters have fought with broken jaws. See the first fight of Mike Tyson vs Razor Ruddock. Ruddock's jaw was broken in the fourth round, and he continued on for another eight rounds. I couldn't do it. LOL. But these elite fighters can. Ali said if he had fought another round with Frazier in Manilla he may have died. He never said that about Norton.
WoW! I always knew that Kenny Norton was Joe Frazier's sparring partner back in the day. But this is the first time I've ever seen those two sparring together! I think at that time Norton was still learning to fight, while Frazier was at his best and a world class fighter! Thanks for uploading this.
No. Norton was mimicking Ali's circling jab... He was preparing Frazier for the Ali fight.
Joe Frazier, take 3 or 4 punches just to get 1 or 2 in on you and always coming forward, always coming forward, no quit in that man. Amazing fighter.
Completely false...Joe made people miss
Ali missed most of the punches he threw in the first fight ...
@@jayedwards1205 If you actually go see the stats, Ali missed just as much as he hit.
Absolutely true that he was able tobob and weave and miss a lot of the big shots. The biggest problem for Fraser was that Ali was allowed to hold for all three fights, taking a lot of energy out of the aggressor frazier. Should've been penalized never was
@@hardcorehouse The ref stopped the holding early in the 3rd fight. That was one hell of a fight.
This is great footage! Almost like modern coverage, where it feels like one is almost in the ring. Here I can see the fantastic head movement and ducking and weaving of Frazier. Norton had a great jab, but most were missing because of Joes movement. Of course, as other have said, it’s good to remember this is a sparring session, where the kinks get ironed out or you try new things or just work on “fight” fitness. Two great fighters.
Kenny was using Ali’s style to prep Joe
And when he’d revert back to his own style you could see how ineffective his Jab became . I think Frazier would’ve destroyed him if they fought in their primes . JMO
That’s what it looked like to me pumping that jab and moving .. not his typical crab lurch with that one leg way back
Completely. It was in preparation for the first fight, if my chronology serves me.
Kenny is doing well
This was NOT 'prep' for Ali; it was prep for Ellis. Ali had not even gotten wind of any license possibility and wasn't even in consideration at this point. In fact, he had announced his retirement.
Frazier really reminds me of Mike Tyson...or vice versa. I love Nortons jab and movement.
Mike tyson ? they are diferent styles ...
@@Ken-Oh. Frazier was very similar to Tyson .
@@Lord_Hillcrest no, Frazier was a swarmer, tyson was a puncher
@@Ken-Oh. They were very similar . They bobbed and weaved the same , both had a good boxing brain . The real difference was power . Tyson was ruthless and wouldve beaten Joe . Tyson was more of a swarmer than Joe was but with more power .
@@Lord_Hillcrest Frazier bob and weave, and tyson PEEK A BOO. The real difference is Frazier legendary hearth, durability and stamina, Frazier can go 15 rounds with Ali and keep fighthing, Tyson fights 5-6 rounds and he lost his power and stamina, also, the left hook of Frazier is the best in HW division in history, better than any tyson punch. If tyson cant KO Frazier in 4-5 rounds, wich is impossible, then godbye tyson.
Thanks for posting two legends these were Ali’s two most difficult opponents both trained by Eddie Futch
fraziers presence in your chest alone without even throwing must wear on you...just waiting for that left hook to come 😂
Always wanted to see this sparring session!!
Thanks for the video, FIGHTLINE WITH BEN DOUGHTY
abudujana13 My pleasure, mate. It seemed to become available this week and so I thought it deserved an audience...
Much appreciated! Hope you upload some more good stuff, because I have just subscribed!!
abudujana13 I’ll do my best, sir...!
Been wait most of my life to see this, Norton would hold his own early, as you could see he’s able to catch Frazier but by about round 8 Frazier would just grind him down. Frazier win in my opinion. Great footage 👍
Im not sure. Frazier didnt have the same power as foreman and shavers to ko norton.. his hook was powerful couse he had speed. While foreman and shaver were natural punchers.
maximiliano monopoli Frazier was still a tremendous puncher, hits hard with his hook and body shots
911 FitClub Sounds like Marine pride talking, Frazier would win 🙄
@@boxeolocopunch762 Frazier made Goerge Chuvalo the greatest chin ever in boxing quit with a smashed eye socket. I think he had plenty of power
I think Frazier would wear Norton out.
This was a very young Norton. You can see the more experienced Joe, holding back.
I don't think so, that's what you call sparring. You don't go all out
@@crazykocounters4741 Depends on the fighter. Some like Ali went easy, often letting his sparing partners whale away at him, so he could build up tolerance to big punches. Others like Liston, Foreman, and Tyson, often punished their sparing partners, knocking out two or three per session. You can see Joe isn't swarming the young Norton like he would've in a real bout. Joe liked Norton very much and said it was no surprise to him that Norton was able to upset Ali.
@@mdmcdd1117 I see
It was only boxing sparring. Many boxers (except tyson :D) don't give all thing against sparring partner. Probably Joe frazier didn't want hurt Norton and you can see frazier only try defence himself.
I'm not sure if that was the objective, but Ken did a great job of mimicking Ali's style in this sparring session.
Clearly the objective.
I'm always amazed at all of the footage a photos that you guys come up with. Keep'um coming. Thanks.
Absolutely fascinating footage! Only wish there was more. Its only during sparring close up like this that you can see what a tough sport boxing really is. What an era for boxing when you think what both of them would go on to do after this throughout the 70's!
Wow! Frazier huffing and snarling like a pit bull. Looks like he's mostly working on closing the distance and barely letting shots go when he gets inside. Norton looks to be working overtime just to make it difficult for Frazier but doesn't seem sustainable in a real fight unless he could light him up a few times with heavier shots. Must be awe inspiring to see this kind of work from big dudes like this in the gym.
Great observations.
Youth. Nothing replaces youth. Norton's jab was insane, like a whip flicking over & over. Where did that jab go in his prime? And he was so light on his feet-not the Right foot dragging Boxer he was all his career. Sure, there's so much more a fighter can do without the intense Nerves of a real fight in the mix. And Ken's Uppercut! This makes me think Norton had a chance against his best friend Frazier in a real fight. He dominated in this short film. Then I wake up. Norton looks like a different man here. Joe was Joe, like a rushing freight train comin head on towards you. And we know how Norton did against that style. Great Vid! RIP Both.
Norton didn't do well vs guys who could pressure him and force him to move backwards. Norton's chin problems are very well documented. Norton didn't have Foreman like power, so, Joe takes out Norton once he started to get to him.
Joe was always a slow starter, so probably in sparring, too.
He's moving around like this because he's imitating Ali, Joe was training for the Ali fight and Norton was helping him prepare.
Thanks for this fantastic upload. It looks as if Norton is mimicking the 70s version of Ali to prep Frazier. Didn't know Foreman could box and move like that and always thought there was no footage of them in the ring together, despite being in the same camp for several years under Eddie Futch until, (IIRC) Futch was reluctantly 'forced' to make a choice due to their schedules, Frazier's pending 3rd fight with Muhammad Ali and a promise he gave to Frazier's original trainer Yank Durham before Durham passed away.
Seems Norton's imitating Ali for Frazier and Frazier's concentrating on just seeing them coming and his movement.
Must be prep for his Ali fight.
It was prep for the ELLIS fight, I believe...
Man it's great looking at this! God bless both of these Great fighters,I loved both of them!!
When I hear all the 'Ali is the greatest crap' I tell ppl to look at Norton. In my view He beat Ali 3x. What do u say ?
@@TheG55coffia Can't argue with your belief,Ken was a Great fighter he had the style too give Ali problems and all those fights were soo close!!
saw one guy on facebook saying Joe Frazier was overrated,Most disrespectful comment Ive seen about a boxer
Ken Norton was helping to prepare Joe Frazier for his fight with Ali. It should be noted that if you tie up a fighter like Joe Frazier it is very hard them to do damage when they get on the inside body punching is a form of art because of the simplicity but a very effective strategy. Ken Norton a world champion was very underrated but he was a great fighter.
Both at their primes Frazier would have destroyed Norton
No he wouldn't have destroyed him. You can see how Norton can turn him and can move away from his pressure. He might not win but it would be a good fight.
I disagree. Unless Joe caught him early, it woulda been a Helluva fight. At this point in time though, around 1970, my money woulda been on Frazier, as he was near his peak. Norton didn't peak until 1973-1974, so different peak times......
Joe can't destory him
Norton vs Ali , level. Norton vs Frazier, below sea level
GREAT STUFF! KENNY LOOKING LIKE ALI. JOE WAS DANGEROUS. EVERY HOOK WAS A 💣
Wow... I've been a fan of the twilight Heavyweight boxing ever since my dad got me studying boxing back in 1996. We always watch the old fights and would of love to see this match up. But thanks for the upload, a dream come true. 🙏🏿💜💛😎
Wow! I've often thought of the big 4 (Ali, Frazier, Foreman, Norton), Norton and Frazier never fought. Glad to see that they sparred as a possible prelim on what might have been... Good post, brother!
Thank you sooo much for this priceless footage!!!
Norton was throwing more sauce. Frazier was tempering his shots way more. Frazier wins this one on both their best days.
Edit: This was a comment from 2 years ago that I forgot I made so Ill add to it-
The more I watch Frazier and the more I listen to his interviews; the more I realize he was only one TINY click below the greatness of Ali. And thats like trying to out do the sun.
Frazier was incredible. When he was “smokin” and movin so rhythmically like did it was art. Flowing. Perfection. Linear. Timing of rolls. Rotation. Execution. Timing of punches off the roll. Brilliance. Unique.
Thanks for sharing both were holding back from landing impact punches but great video and workout I appreciate the video Cheers,Keith
Joe Frazier for me the best !!! Respekt from Mönchengladbach Germany!!!
Thank you very much for uploading this short video it was beautiful we need more like this god bless.
Wow! I never seen this sparring session before! Excited to see it!
Def my favorite fighter not huge or lightning quick or amazing defense just good movement good pressure and a smoking cannon he called a left hook that made people crumble
Great video.. Norton landing some good jabs, Frazier good head movement bob and weave..
Frazier is backing up Norton. And we know what happens if it were a real fight and Kenny is in that position.
Quote from Joe Frazier: "We worked together and sparred, but that's as far as I wanted to go with him. Eddie and Yank wanted two or three rounds, but I wanted only one round with him. There were days when I called in sick because I knew I had to spar with him that day. I didn't wanna fight Ken, I wanted no part of him. It would have been a rough fight, and I don't know if I would have won; but let's just say I probably have a little more use of my brain today because I didn't have to fight Ken Norton."
Norton is imitating ali so he jabs at range and doesn't square up like he usually does, he is very strong physically if he fights cross guard I believe he will turn frazier in the same manner foreman did and catch him with uppercuts but I think both in their primes I'd put them relative or almost = to eachother in a fight
Wow this is a rare gem; I remember back in the day they never thought because they were friends so this is the next best thing. It looks like it would've been a good fight
Norton should have used this style for his own fights.
Joe's style of leaning in and bobbing was made for big George's scything uppercuts
I Love Joe but he used so much energy with his jitter buggy style it’s crazy. He also took about 5 clean jabs before he was inside to go to work!
I've never seen Norton throw so many jabs! He did a decent job at least with his hands,imitating Ali.🥊
Two of the Best ever!
Thanks for sharing this. Brilliant.
How many times would you get to watch two fighters of this level sparr, just fantastic and they were really going for it.
This is beautiful. I believe that if Norton would be able to utilize that jab in a real fight between them, he’d win on points. Look at that reach advantage. If Frazier were to win, I’d say he’d win by KO in the later rounds
Iron sharpening iron
I always wondered how Norton would have fought Frazier, going forward or moving. He's moving here but he could be could be helping Joe prepare for Ali or that kind of style. Norton had an underrated jab, very good jab.
Lorenzo de' Medici He was helping Joe prepare for Ellis in 1970, mate..
FIGHTLINE With Ben Doughty ah, that explains the movement
Norton & Frazier had tremendously respectful of one another.
Fantastic footage, from this brief clip I think it is safe to assume that Joe would have chased Ken Norton out of the ring. While he was a very good fighter Ken Norton could not fight well backing up as he proved against all the big punchers that he faced. If he had fought Joe Frazier he would have been backed up and with his non stop attack Joe would have gotten that left hook in their to put Ken away. Thank you again for this great footage. P.S. is there anymore film of this sparring session?
Michael Coppola it’s sparring
But fraizer didnt had the same power as foreman cooney or shavers. .he wasnt a natural puncher. IT was just speed for Years training by. Fraizer wouldnt have ko norton. And norton was a tough fighter too
It either goes the distance or Frazier takes him down. Both cases I see Frazier winning
This is what a sparring session is to work out your kinks.
Listen to the breathing of Frazier...intense. He sounds like my Bullmastiff when we're doing decoy work. That was one scary man.
Frazier was so fast in his prime. I would love to see him against Tyson
I’ve always wanted to see them fight. I’ve would’ve like to see Frazier fight Shavers and Lyles along with Norton. Thanks for Sharing
Frazier beats both Shavers and Norton easy. They both got ko'd in early rounds by fighters with big punches.
@@saltrifiro4900 I like that! But easy? You’re right they both got Kod in early rounds by big punchers. But so did Frazier 2nd round against Forman.
This footage is priceless. Never seen this before.
Excellent clip.
Thanks for posting.....a wonderful artifact!
This was a technical sparring session. Joe was working on his head movement and getting inside. That is why he wasn't throwing that many punches.
Much Gratitude
I love how Frazier was always moving
I already commented but gotta hit this shit again ............THIS IS THE GOOD SHIT !
💩💩💩💩💩
It doesn't take long for Joe to read his opponent's tempo and rythm. Ali learned that...3 times.
Legends. ✊🏾
Frazier and his "swarm " technique enjoyed intensity &control the inside
Everybody praising Frasier like they didn't see him just get worked. Norton dominated this session.
Much better than today’s fights
Masterclass by Kenny Norton on how to control your opponent. It seem that Forman watched this sparring during preparation for Frazer fight
Look at Frazier breathing like a steam locomotive.Really smokin.
0:20 love how Joe closed the distance in an instant 💯
Why they never fought in a main event is unreal.
Wow very rare footage. Well done for finding this 👍 I heard they were friends and didn't want to fight each other as pros. So this sparing is a taste of what might have been if they had fought.
Very good work!!!!
Legendary two G.O.A.T.S 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
I read that they were good friends, looks like Norton is somewhat mimicking Ali with popping out that jab and moving so much, because Norton never moved that much in a fight. Man that relentless constant pressure by Frazier.
Both of these fighter's gave Ali ALL he could handle. Both basically fought Ali to a draw if you combine total rounds. One knocked Ali down and brought him closer to Allah than any other man; while the other broke his jaw and arguably won their 3rd fight. It is written
Holy crap. I have waited 40 years to see this.
Norton doing a good impression of Ali here throwing jabs on the back foot. It wasn't his normal style but perhaps they already had the 'fight of the century' in mind.
Joe Frazier is making Ken Norton fight so differently then Norton USUALLY fights.. Norton usually moves forward arms crossed, dragging his back foot behind him.. Here Norton is moving mostly backwards (some side to side).. No forward motion.. flicking a Jab. He looks like he's imitating ALI. But this says early 1970.. & you can hear Yank Durham's voice.. so it its early 70s. Frazier had NOT fought ALI yet (and ALI had not returned to fight Jerry Quarry until late October 1970). So, this is interesting, being that Frazier and Norton never fought professionally
Foreman put these guys away so easy ,just goes to show how good mauhomad ali really was.
Frazier Beat Ali, Ali beat Foreman, and Foreman beat Frazier.
It goes without saying that Joe was great. But, I'd forgotten about Kenny's left jab. He could really get it in there.
Joe even sounds like damn steam engine when he breathes
This was NOT 'prep' for Ali; it was prep for Ellis. Ali had not even gotten wind of any license possibility and wasn't even in consideration at this point. In fact, he had announced his retirement.
This footage was filmed before Fraziers fight with Jimmy Ellis in 1970.
Kenny was a really really good. But smokin' Joe Frazier is definitely one of the best heavyweights all time. Real real real under appreciated given he came in the same era as Ali Holmes Foreman. But Frazier is absolutely terrifying man.
It's so weird seeing Norton move like ali
That wudda been a great fight, my money wudda been on smokin Joe but Norton seems to be handling himself quite comfortably here working well behind the jab, cool video.
Ken norton wins by points or frazier by a left hook ko. Suprised how well Norton controls frazier here.
George Foreman fought an overweight Joe Frazier, if he had fought a prime Frazier the outcome of their fight would have been different, said George Foreman himself in an interview...
George Foreman's greatest wins were against Frazier and Moorer. Most will argue that NO version of Frazier beats Foreman which is totally believable due to his swarming style that plays right into Foreman's power zone. Late 60s Frazier before the first Ali fight was a beast that Foreman didn't face. I believe Joe in better shape could take George into deeper waters and drown him had he fought him the same way he fought Chuvalo. Foreman was able to put Joe away where Oscar Bonavena failed.
seeing the pressure that frazier put in a ring is just scary , have to give huge credit to george foreman for putting him away in 2 rounds !!!!
I have never seen Frazier and Norton sparring each other before, thanks, wonder who had won if they would have met in a fight, hard to tell
Norton wins
Joe Frazier wins
Norton became the Champion he did because he worked with a World Champion.
Easy to see why Frazier did so well against Ali and gave him his toughest fights. He trained against his style constantly.
Ali wasn't in peak skill at 70's and his trainer (Eddie Futch ) have knew Ali's weekness
Went to Philly once in late 90s for an academic conference. Right after I checked in at my hotel, I hopped on train into North Philly to see the legendary Frazier Gym. (Talked AI with a young man on the way.) The Champ wasn't there, but his son Marvis was, training a light-heavyweight. We spoke briefly about Mark Kram's magisterial The Ghosts of Manila. He said that his father liked the book.
Frazier's Gym was in NORTH Philly. Broad & Glenwood Streets.
@@thespy7795 Thanks. Emendation made.
Frazier's style is crazy. He takes hits to the head to try and reach you. He's like a real life Rocky Balboa... blocking the punches with his head to get to you.
what are you talking about? joe slips ducks and weaves, does little blocks, doesnt back up, gets inside. maybe to an untrained eye he takes shots to the face
@@blackhoodie4170 I know he ducks and weaves, but when he gets hit, he's amplifying the impact cause he's always moving forward. He's willing to take those his to get to you. Not a style you want if you want to last very long in the boxing business.
Man! Look at their movements. What happened to super skillful heavyweights like this?
you can clearly hear Ken hitting him hard with a left hook that got Joe snoring at 1:11