Ken Norton

Ken Norton was a professional boxer who fought for over 13 years between 1967 and 1981. Throughout his career, he fought in a total of 50 fights, winning 42, losing 7, and drawing 1. Norton's fights were characterized by his aggressive fighting style, with his signature move being a left hook to the head.

Norton made his professional debut in 1967, where he fought Grady Brazell and won via a fifth-round TKO. He went on to win his next fifteen fights, including 14 wins by stoppage, before suffering his first defeat at the hands of Jose Luis Garcia, who defeated Norton via an 8th round KO, ending his 16-fight winning streak.

Norton's career highlights included three main fights. One of those fights was against Muhammad Ali in 1973, where Norton won in a 12th round split-decision, stunning the world and establishing himself as a top contender. He, however, went on to lose in his first world-title fight against George Foreman via 2nd round TKO on March 26, 1974. Norton suffered his second defeat to Ali in September 1976, where he lost via a 15 round unanimous decision, ending his chances of winning a heavyweight title fight.

Norton's style of boxing was unique, and many fighters struggled to prepare for him. He was a durable fighter who could take a lot of punches, as evidenced by the fact that he was only knocked out four times during his career. Norton's KO power was quite impressive, as he managed to secure 33 of his 42 wins via a knockout.

Despite never winning a heavyweight title, Norton achieved various notable victories throughout his career. Some of his most significant wins include defeating Ron Stander, Boone Kirkman, Pedro Lovell, Lorenzo Zanon, Jerry Quarry, and Duane Bobick. These fights shaped Norton's career and established him as a top fighter in the division.

Ken Norton retired from boxing in 1981 after his last match against Gerry Cooney, which he lost via a 1st round TKO. Norton ended his professional career with a record of 42-7-1 and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992.

Norton's style was noticeable, and his demeanor in the ring characterized him as an aggressive and imposing fighter. However, Norton also had outstanding defensive skills, allowing him to evade punches thrown by his opponents. His aggression and durability made him a fan favorite, and many fans consider him one of the best fighters never to win a title fight.

Ken Norton's legacy in boxing is one of resilience and determination. Despite never securing a heavyweight title, he won the admiration of fans worldwide with his determination, grit, and will to win. Norton will always remain a legend in boxing circles, remembered for his fierce fighting style and notable victories over some of the sport's biggest stars.

Ken Norton Fight Record