Ali didn’t even know Norton’s name. Ali looked at me and said, “How about working a round with your guy?” I said, “Okay.” I took Norton aside and told him, “Don’t” try to be a wise guy. Just be smart. Just go out there and work along with him and try to learn something. If it gets rough in there naturally take care of yourself. But just try to work along with him.” The first round went like that but Norton was never a smooth-looking fighter. He didn’t have a classic style. Ali had looked him over pretty good. I guess he decided the kid can’t fight much. So with this enthusiastic crowd there, Ali decided he’s going to give them a show.
Near the end of the round, Ali stepped back and announced to Norton and the crowd, “Okay, boy, I’m through playing with you. I’m going to put something on you.” Ali really starts punching, but Norton goes right with him. What a round that was, a wild round.
The thing was, Ali didn’t think Norton could counter because Norton had been working along with him earlier. But when Ali started punching harder, Norton countered. Norton embarrassed him, and Ali didn’t expect that. Ali didn’t like that at all. The next day Ali walked into the gym screaming, “I want that Norton, where’s that Norton?” But I had told Norton to stay in his street clothes.
Ali looked over and saw Norton standing around in his street clothes, then he looked at me and said. “Isn’t he going to work today?” I said, “No.” He said, “Why Not?” I said, “Yesterday you came in here looking for a workout. Today you came in here looking for a fight. When this kid fights you he’s going to get paid, and paid well.”
From that one-round workout I had determined that Norton had the style to lick Ali. He just didn’t have experience yet. Norton’s style was perfect. He was strong. He was awkward. And he was tall, as tall as Ali. Then I started putting their two styles together, thinking how Norton could avoid Ali’s strengths, while exploiting Ali’s weaknesses.
