Norton Thinks Holmes Has ‘Boxer’s Chance’ of Beating Tyson

Ken Norton believes Larry Holmes, who won the heavyweight title from him 9 1/2 years ago, could at age 38 win it back from 21-year-old Mike Tyson next Jan. 22.

“He has a boxer’s chance,” Norton said. “Tyson is a very good fighter, but he’s very stationary, and Larry’s a good mover.”

Holmes lost the title to Michael Spinks in 1986, two months after the car crash that erased Norton’s memory of that time, but Norton has watched films of Spinks since.

“Spinks is a very good fighter,” Norton said, “a good puncher and he moves well.”

If Spinks were to meet Tyson, Norton said, “Right now I think Spinks would beat him. In about a year or two when Tyson will be more mature, I don’t think Spinks would have a chance.”