Ken Norton, aka ‘The Jawbreaker’, Who Became Famous for Beating Muhammad Ali, Dies at 70
Ken Norton, former American heavyweight boxer, who is also best known for beating and breaking Muhammad Ali's jaw during their non-title fight in 1973, dies at 70.
After suffering from several strokes, Norton's health has not been so good. He died at a local care facility, according to reports.
As stated prior, Norton broke Ali's jawbone in their first fight. It was in 1973 and Norton won by split decision. It wouldn't be the first and last time that the two professional boxers will face each other. They met again six months later where Ali won. Subsequently, a third controversial title fight was arranged in 1976 at the New York Yankee Stadium, where Ali also won.
Besides having great fights with Ali, Norton fought George Foreman and Larry Holmes in world title fights. Monte D. Cox, a member of the International Boxing Research Organization, cites that Norton's fight against Holmes is the 10th greatest heavyweight fight of all time.
He decided to retire from boxing in 1981 after his fight with George Cooney. A lot of people who witness the fight thought that Norton was already past his prime in boxing. His legs began shaking after Cooney's first punch landed on him. He left a record of 42 wins, 7 losses, 33 knockouts, and one draw.
He received several awards and recognitions. In 1989, 1992, 2004 and 2008, he became an alumnus of the World Boxing Hall of Fame, the International Boxing Hall of Fame, the United States Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame, and the WBC Hall of Fame, respectively.
Norton was widely known for his great athletic physique during his younger years. He may no longer be active during the last years of his life but truly, his death is indeed a great loss of the boxing industry.