Ken Norton RIP

TelMc32 · September 2013

Ken Norton has passed away at the age of 70 having been in poor health after a number of strokes. Made his breakthrough when beating Muhammed Ali in 1973 having broken Ali's jaw in the first round. Went on to become a World Champion in 1977 and fought some brutal battles with all the top heavyweights of the time. A fantastic left hook, but lost the title to Larry Holmes the following year in one of the first fights I really remember. Have watched it back a few times...two absolute warriors. Stunning.

Rest in Peace Kenny.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boJpRuC2gaY&feature=youtube_gdata_player

mickc · September 2013

RIP Ken Norton
Played a big part in the greatest era of heavyweight boxing.

Bangkokaddick · September 2013

Sad. That really was the golden age of heavyweight boxing.

And of course he was a major movie star as well. Who could forget Mandingo!

RIP

Mortimerician · September 2013

So many great heavyweights in that era. Could have dominated in many other eras

Brendan_O_Connell · September 2013

RIP

Kap10 · September 2013

Never thought Ali would out live frazier and Norton. A real era of warriors.

Amos on the wing · September 2013

RIP Ken. Was originally lined up to play the 'Apollo Creed' character in Rocky 1 but after one round sparring with Sly they realised he would cause too much damage and the role eventually went to Carl Weathers. A true heavyweight boxing legend.