Best fights of Ken Norton
Over 13 years as a professional, Ken Norton compiled a 42-7-1 (33) record, including six title fights. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. Ken Norton KOs Duane Bobick in 58 seconds
On May 11, 1977 Ken Norton faced Duane Bobick in a heavyweight bout. Norton was 33 years old with a record of 37-4, and Bobick was 26 with a record of 38-0. Norton was coming off a loss, while Bobick was on an undefeated 38-fight winning streak. Norton stopped Duane Bobick via TKO in the 1st round.
2. Ken Norton defeats Muhammad Ali
On March 31, 1973 Ken Norton fought Muhammad Ali for the WBC-NABF heavyweight title. Norton was 29 years old with a record of 29-1, and Ali was 31 with a record of 41-1. Norton was on a 13-fight winning streak and Ali was on a 10-fight winning streak. Norton won via split decision. Crowned the new heavyweight champion.
3. Ken Norton KOs Jerry Quarry
On March 24, 1975 Ken Norton fought Jerry Quarry for the vacant WBC-NABF heavyweight title. Norton was 31 years old with a record of 32-3, and Quarry was 29 with a record of 50-7-4. Norton was on a 2-fight winning streak and Quarry was coming off a win. Norton stopped Jerry Quarry via TKO in the 5th round. Won the vacant title.
4. Ken Norton loses to Muhammad Ali in their 3rd fight via unanimous decision
On September 28, 1976 Ken Norton fought Muhammad Ali for the undisputed heavyweight title. It was their third meeting. Norton was 33 years old with a record of 37-3, and Ali was 34 with a record of 52-2. Norton was on a 7-fight winning streak and Ali was on a 11-fight winning streak. Norton lost via unanimous decision. Failed to capture the title. Went the distance with Ali.
5. Ken Norton loses to Muhammad Ali in their 2nd fight via split decision
On September 10, 1973 Ken Norton defended his WBC-NABF heavyweight title against Muhammad Ali. It was their second meeting. Norton was 30 years old with a record of 30-1, and Ali was 31 with a record of 41-2. Norton was on a 14-fight winning streak, while Ali was coming off a loss. Norton lost via split decision. Lost the title. Went the distance with Ali.
6. Ken Norton loses to Larry Holmes via split decision
On June 9, 1978 Ken Norton defended his WBC heavyweight title against Larry Holmes. Norton was 34 years old with a record of 40-4, and Holmes was 28 with a record of 27-0. Norton was on a 3-fight winning streak and Holmes was on an undefeated 27-fight winning streak. Norton lost via split decision. Lost the title. Went the distance with Holmes.
7. Ken Norton defeats Jimmy Young
On November 5, 1977 Ken Norton faced Jimmy Young in a heavyweight bout. Norton was 34 years old with a record of 39-4, and Young was 28 with a record of 22-5-2. Norton was on a 2-fight winning streak and Young was on a 5-fight winning streak. Norton won via split decision.
8. Ken Norton KOs Randy Stephens
On November 10, 1978 Ken Norton faced Randy Stephens. Norton was 35 years old with a record of 40-5, and Stephens was 0 with a record of 0-0. Norton was coming off a loss. Norton stopped Randy Stephens via KO in the 3rd round.
9. Ken Norton KOs Lorenzo Zanon
On September 14, 1977 Ken Norton faced Lorenzo Zanon. Norton was 34 years old with a record of 38-4, and Zanon was 0 with a record of 0-0. Norton was coming off a win. Norton stopped Lorenzo Zanon via KO in the 5th round.
10. Ken Norton KOs Rico Brooks
On March 4, 1975 Ken Norton faced Rico Brooks. Norton was 31 years old with a record of 31-3, and Brooks was 0 with a record of 0-0. Norton was coming off a win. Norton stopped Rico Brooks via KO in the 1st round.