Muhammad Ali vs. Ken Norton

External audio

National Press Club Luncheon Speakers, Muhammad Ali and Ken Norton, August 27, 1976, 1:02:57, Norton speaks at 8:58, Ali 11:10-39:00, Library of Congress[1]

Muhammad Ali fought three boxing matches with Ken Norton. The first match took place on March 31, 1973 at the Sports Arena, San Diego, California, USA; the second on September 10, 1973 at the Forum, Inglewood, California, USA; and the third on September 28, 1976 at Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York, USA. The first two matches were won by a split decision on points. The first went to Norton, while Ali won the second. Ali won the third match with a unanimous decision on points.

Muhammad Ali vs Ken Norton 1

Muhammad Ali and Ken Norton fought three historic matches against each other during their careers. Their first match occurred on March 31, 1973 at the Sports Arena, San Diego, California, USA. Still racking up wins two years after his first professional loss to Joe Frazier, Muhammad Ali was defending his heavyweight championship. His next fight was against the newcomer Ken Norton and began a years long rivalry. Ali was outmaneuvered by Norton's unorthodox fighting style, jabbing from below, crossing his hands for defence. As the final bell rang, Norton won on split decision, sending shock waves throughout the boxing world. Soon after the fight, Ali went straight to the hospital to repair his broken jaw, which was broken in the last round. ^{[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]}

Muhammad Ali vs Ken Norton 2

On September 10, 1973, Muhammad Ali and Ken Norton met at the Forum, Inglewood, California, USA for their highly anticipated rematch. After the first fight, which came to be Ali's second professional loss, he made sure he would "whip himself" back into peak physical condition, much like the 1960s. Ali trained relentlessly, forcing himself back into shape. He ended up being ten pounds less than he did in their first fight, and it showed as soon as he stepped into the ring. But, there were some obstacles he had to overcome before he became victorious. The first was Norton himself. He was in miraculous shape as the first fight, and most of all he was not intimidated by Ali, knowing he beat him just months before. The other was Ali's age, or Father time. Many didn't see 31 as old, but given what Ali had been through up until now, including his exile and brutal match up with Joe Frazier in 1971, the mileage was clear. As the fight began, it was clear Ali's training had paid off. But at the same time, Norton also looked in peak condition. After four rounds, it was clear Ali was ready this time, skipping without pause, and standing between rounds. As the bell rang for the fifth, Norton came out strong and fast. He was jabbing Ali into oblivion, and he knew it. Through the next 2 rounds, the fight seemed lively as ever, again balanced. As the bell for the final round rang, Ali came out with a barrage of combinations combined with his speed. Ali's training showed, Norton had no answer. As the fight ended, the crowd was anxious for the winner, as the decision could have gone either way. Ali ended up winning the split with 2 votes to 1. Ali seemed happy, but not satisfied. He trained his hardest in years, getting into the best shape of his life at his age, but he couldn't knock Norton out. He went to the brink. Ali realized he would never be the same as he was in the 1960s. He admitted, "I'm tireder than usual, because of my age."

Muhammad Ali vs Ken Norton 3

Muhammad Ali and Ken Norton met for the third and final time on September 28, 1976 at Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York, USA, completing their trilogy. This time, the 34-year-old Ali entered the ring as the Heavyweight champion. The match was highly anticipated, as it would be the tie breaker from their previous two fight ts. The fight itself was a lively one. Both fighters showed their strengths, with the fight looking even to many onlookers. The final outcome was Ali winning a unanimous decision, retaining his title.

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