In a week that saw Floyd Mayweather put on one of the best boxing performances of the last ten years comes more saddening news. As per the LA times former world heavyweight champion Ken Norton Sr. died yesterday at the age of 70. Norton was known to be in poor health having suffered from a series of strokes recently but his death will still come as a shock to many including his son, Ken Norton Jr. the former NFL linebacker.
Norton is best known as the guy who broke Muhammad Ali's jaw during the first of their three fights. It was a fight Norton would go onto win in a split decision that inflicted only the second loss of Ali's career at the time. Ali exacted revenge in the second fight and again overcame Norton in a closely fought third contest.
He went on to become world champion in 1978 but later lost the title in a historically close fight against Larry Holmes. He retired in 1981 and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992 as one of the most complex opponents of Ali's career.
Post boxing he entered the world of acting where he enjoyed mild success in shows such as The A-Team and Knight Rider.
He finished with a record of 42-7-1 with 33 of those wins coming by K.O. Norton is survived by his wife, Rose Conant; his sons Ken Jr., Keith and Kenny John; and his daughter, Kenisha.
If this has piqued your interest in Norton make sure to check out a sample of the man himself in action below.
