Ken Norton, the man who broke Muhammad Ali’s jaw, dies at the age of 70
By Your Black World
There was a time when heavyweight boxing was in the limelight. It was also a period in history that was rich with amazing athletic feats and challengers who could rise to the highest occasions. That era is gone and today, America loses one of its heroes of this glorious time period.
Ken Norton has died at the age of 70. Norton is known for three amazing fights he had with Muhammad Ali, even breaking the champion’s jaw during one fight. Norton lost to Ali twice, but left a permanent mark on boxing history with his achievements. Norton went on to become World Boxing Council heavyweight champion.
Norton’s death was announced by his son, Ken Norton, Jr., who is an assistant coach with the Seattle Seahawks. Norton had been suffering a series of strokes during recent years, according to the Associated Press.
Norton’s one win against Ali was a split decision in 1973, which gave him the North American Boxing Federation heavyweight title. He was a serious underdog, but won against the odds.
“Ali thought it would be an easy fight,” Norton’s former manager, Gene Kilroy, told the Associated Press. “But Norton was unorthodox. Instead of jabbing from above like most fighters, he would put his hand down and jab up at Ali.”
After the fight, Norton visited Ali in the hospital, where he was getting his jaw repaired. That’s when Ali told him that he never wanted to fight him again.
Goodbye to a true champion.
