One of the greatest heavyweights of the 20th Century, Ken Norton Sr’s career was full of ups and downs, comebacks, and incredible moments.
Ken Norton was born on August 9, 1943, in Morgan County, Illinois. He excelled in football and track and field at Jacksonville High School, made the All-State team, and attended Northeast Missouri State University on a football scholarship. He studied education and considered teaching, but ultimately joined the Marine Corps. While there, Norton took up boxing and compiled a 24–2 record.
After serving his country for 4 years, Norton settled in San Diego and turned professional in 1967. He also served as a sparring partner for 1964 Olympic gold medalist Joe Frazier.
Norton was 16–0 until July 1970, when he lost to Jose Luis Garcia. Norton was heavily favored in what was expected to be a mere tune-up fight. Instead, Garcia knocked him out in the eighth round. But Norton came back strong, winning his next thirteen bouts. Although he had not fought any big-name fighters, his 29–1 record earned him a shot at Muhammad Ali.
The fight took place on March 31, 1973, at the San Diego Sports Arena. Ali, on the comeback trail after losing to Joe Frazier two years earlier, was a 5–1 favorite. But Norton shocked the world by winning a 12-round split decision and breaking Ali’s jaw. Those who had not heard of Norton before knew him now. Norton attributed much of his success to Napoleon Hill’s Think & Grow Rich, a book on positive thinking. Perhaps some of his success also stemmed from his unorthodox style of crossing his arms in a crab-like manner, reminiscent of the former lightweight champion Archie Moore.
Less than six months later, the two met again in Inglewood, California. This time, Ali won a 12-round split decision.
Despite the loss, Norton earned his first shot at the title six months later. His opponent was George Foreman, who had recently defeated Joe Frazier to win the title. It didn’t end well for Norton; he was knocked out in the second round.
Undeterred by the devastating loss to Foreman, Norton won his next seven fights. In March 1975, he defeated top contender Jerry Quarry by fifth-round TKO. Five months later, he finally got a rematch with Jose Luis Garcia and won by fifth-round knockout.
On September 26, 1976, at Yankee Stadium, Norton earned his second shot at the title. He faced Muhammad Ali again, who had won the title from George Foreman. The fight went the distance, and many observers believed Norton had won. But Ali was awarded a 15-round unanimous decision. Norton was visibly upset by the controversial decision. Years later, Norton said he never had the same passion for boxing after that loss.
Nonetheless, Norton defeated top contender Duane Bobick in May 1977 by way of a devastating first-round TKO. Six months later, Norton fought Jimmy Young, who had recently defeated George Foreman. The winner would claim the vacated WBC heavyweight title. Norton won a controversial 15-round split decision.
On June 9, 1978, Norton lost the title to Larry Holmes by a 15-round split decision. The fight was voted one of the best heavyweight bouts of the 1970s, and the fifteenth round was voted one of the best rounds of all time. Years later, Holmes called his fight with Norton the toughest of his career.
Later that year, Norton knocked out Randy Stephens in the third round, setting up a fight with top contender Earnie Shavers. At nearly 36, some felt Norton’s best days were behind him and that it would be wise to retire rather than fight the heavy-hitting Shavers. Shavers made short work of Norton, knocking him out in the first round.
But, as too many boxers do, he continued, fighting low-ranked Scott LeDoux to a 10-round draw. That fight was followed by a 10-round split-decision win over another low-ranked boxer, Randall Tex Cobb.
It was clear that Norton no longer had the tools to fight top contenders. Still, at almost 38, he stepped into the ring with Gerry Cooney. It was an ill-advised decision, and Cooney knocked him out in the first round.
After retiring with a 42–7–1 record, Norton landed acting roles and also worked as a boxing commentator. But in 1986, Norton was involved in a car accident that almost killed him.
Norton was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992. He died on September 18, 2013, at age 70.
