how old was ken norton when he died

[28] The March 2001 edition of The Ring listed the final round of the Holmes–Norton bout as the seventh most exciting round in boxing history and International Boxing Research Organization (IBRO) member Monte D. Cox ranked the bout as the tenth greatest heavyweight fight of all time. His son, Ken Jr, became an NFL star playing for the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers. [10], In 2001, Norton was inducted by the San Diego Hall of Champions into the Breitbard Hall of Fame honoring San Diego's finest athletes both on and off the playing surface. [13] In this bout, Norton broke Ali's jaw (he maintains in round eleven, though Angelo Dundee said it was earlier), leading to only the second defeat for "The Greatest" in his career. Though both were top boxers in the mid 1970s, Norton and Frazier never fought each other, in part because they shared the same trainer, Eddie Futch, and also because they were good friends and didn't want to fight each other. Norton also fought a slugfest with Larry Holmes in 1978, narrowly losing a split decision. See full bio » [22] Norton weighed in at 206 lbs (5 pounds lighter than his first match with Ali) and some boxing writers suggested that his preparation was too intense and that perhaps he had overtrained. Many others lauded his infamous overhand right. Best Late Bloomers in Sports, 4. [35], The win over the title-contending Cobb gave Norton another shot at a potential title-fight, and on May 11, 1981, at Madison Square Garden he stepped into the ring with top contender and new White Hope Gerry Cooney, who, like Cobb, was undefeated entering the fight. "[14] Norton also took a complete course by Napoleon Hill on gaining wealth and peace of mind. He was learning and improving. Norton continued to take shots from Cooney in his corner for nearly a full minute before Perez stepped in to stop the fight fifty-four seconds into the first round, as Norton was slumped in his corner, leaving Cooney the victor by first round technical knockout. The former world heavyweight champion Ken Norton, who beat Muhammad Ali in 1973, has died of heart failure at the age of 70. What helped even more was when Ali agreed to a match. He'd drag or slide the right foot along from behind. He never said a bad word about anyone.". He was 70. that Norton's best punch was the left hook. Norton would bob and weave from a crouch, firing well placed heavy punches. Norton overpowered Garcia in their rematch five years later, when both were rated contenders. [15], An article which appeared in The Southeast Missourian[16] discussed that Norton credited Napoleon Hill's philosophy for his success. [49], Norton died at a care facility in Las Vegas on September 18, 2013. The guard was also used by boxers Archie Moore and Tim Witherspoon, as well as George Foreman during his famous comeback years and by Joe Frazier in parts of his third fight with Muhammad Ali. 'So I train for my fights,' he says, 'mentally as well as physically. Born to Howard and Genevieve Norton on November 9, 1954, Ken was raised in Ossining, NY but called Saybrook his home for the last 30 years. Around 2012 he married Rose Marie Conant who was his constant companion until his death. However Norton himself always denied this, saying that he was past his prime when he was stopped by Shavers and Cooney. When under heavy pressure both arms were brought up high across at face level whilst one leaned forward, leaving little open to attack. Norton died at a care facility in Las Vegas on September 18, 2013. [45][46], Ken Norton was twice voted "Father of the Year" by the Los Angeles Sentinel and the Los Angeles Times in 1977. Light-hitting but fast, Zanon was actually well ahead until a burst of heavy punches put him down and out. These are all seen as great fights, and generally controversial, with some people thinking that Norton won the fight. Ken … [2] In an interview with ESPN Fitness Magazine in 1985, Norton said that he would have become a teacher or a policeman if he had not taken up boxing.[3]. Norton is a 1989 inductee of the World Boxing Hall of Fame, a 1992 inductee of the International Boxing Hall of Fame,[37] a 2004 inductee into the United States Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame,[4] and a 2008 inductee into the World Boxing Council Hall of Fame. Learn how and when to remove this template message. Ken Norton was born on August 9, 1943 in Jacksonville, Illinois, USA as Kenneth Howard Norton. He was married to Rose Conant, Jacqueline Halton and Jeannette Henderson. By the time Norton ditched the vest in 1967 he had racked up a record of 24-2 (19) as an amateur. He was 70. Born to Howard and Genevieve Norton on … Think and Grow Rich [12][39] as noted above and Success Through A Positive Mental Attitude[25] by Hill and W. Clement Stone) also received the "Napoleon Hill Award" for positive thinking in 1973. Many observers have felt this fight marked the beginning of Ali's decline as a boxer. In his first defense of the WBC title on June 9, 1978, Norton and new number one contender Larry Holmes met in a classic fight. Ken Norton frustrated Ali three times in all, including their final bout at Yankee Stadium where he was sure he had beaten him once again. He was 70 years old and had suffered a series of strokes in later life. Norton finished with his career with a record of 42-7-1 and 33 knockouts. Very early in the fight Norton was buckled by Cooney's punches. Ken was 70 years old at the time of death. Tenore believed Norton's style had upset Ali's rhythm in their first fight. The 1998 holiday issue of The Ring ranked Norton #22 among "The 50 Greatest Heavyweights of All Time." ", The WBA super middleweight champion Andre Ward tweeted his condolences: "Just heard about Ken Norton passing. [53], This article is about the boxer. Entry for Norton's grave in Findagrave website (2019). "He was a fighter. He lives at Jacksonville, Illinois, USA with his family. Kenneth Howard Norton Sr. (August 9, 1943 – September 18, 2013) was an American professional boxer who competed from 1967 to 1981, and held the WBC heavyweight title in 1978. He also was a member of the Sports Illustrated Speakers Bureau and started the Ken Norton Management Co., which represented athletes in contract negotiations. [39][47] To quote Norton from his biography, Believe: Journey From Jacksonville: "Of all the titles that I've been privileged to have, the title of 'dad' has always been the best."[39]. Although Norton was expected to face Ali for a fourth time, to fight for the WBC heavyweight championship, plans changed due to Ali's loss of his title to Leon Spinks on February 15, 1978. He fought a tough battle and we thought he was out of the woods. [21] Norton won a 12-round split decision over Ali in his adopted hometown of San Diego to win the NABF heavyweight title. He was 70. "He was recovering from a stroke a year ago. After an even first round, Foreman staggered Norton with an uppercut a minute into round two, pushing him into the ropes. Ken Norton was born on August 9, 1943 in Jacksonville, Illinois, USA as Kenneth Howard Norton. Ken Norton Dies; Former Heavyweight Champion Was 70 by Hilton Hater at September 18, 2013 8:22 pm. [31][32], In his next fight, he fought to a split draw with unheralded but durable lower ranked contender Scott LeDoux at the Met Center in Minneapolis. One thing I do is only watch films of the fights in which I've done well or in which my opponent has done poorly. '", Norton once said, "In boxing, and in all of life, nobody should ever stop learning! At the end of the last round, the commentator announced he would be "very surprised" if Norton has not won the fight.[23]. As physically born on 9th August 1943, in Jacksonville, Illinois, USA first... Desperation, although the crowd roared its appreciation a loss here would have seriously dented claim. Hand up by the cross arm defense was his toughest fight of all time ''! Refused to 'dance ' until the 9th when in sheer desperation, although the crowd roared its appreciation three! Uppercut a minute into round two, pushing him into the Marines after leaving school, serving from 1963-67 of! With the right or left ear and had four children … ALAMEDA — when Muhammad Ali died Friday, memories... At face level whilst one leaned forward, leaving little open to attack played football at and... Member of three Super Bowl champion teams as a senior in 1960 Ring ranked Norton # 22 ``... Ring Magazine article, Norton decided that at 37 It was early this [ Wednesday afternoon... Can be related to anybody, to be the best in a career, be! Defensive coordinator of the three judges scored the bout was his constant until. Not want to fight him ' until the 9th when in sheer desperation, although the crowd roared its.. For `` fighter of the Year '' in 1977 September 18, 2013, 's! To 'dance ' until the 9th when in sheer desperation, although the crowd roared its appreciation the title! Unusual stance characterized by the time of death, 2013 ranked heavyweights away on 20. In Henderson, how old was ken norton when he died, USA as Kenneth Howard Norton. `` to defend against top contender Norton. Ring ranked Norton # 22 among `` the 50 Greatest how old was ken norton when he died of all time., while still in history. ’ s track coach entered Norton in eight events in 1961 awarded the title via extremely... Even how old was ken norton when he died was when Ali agreed to a match between the new and! Not to fight Norton was born on 9th August 1943, in Jacksonville, Illinois level whilst one leaned,. Gentleman who was notable for his son and American football coach and former Patrick! Between the new champion and Norton placed first in seven Norton regained the NABF title... On defense as a boxer in seven by surprise but he [ Norton ] was focused. Career in the history of boxing Monthly listed Ali-Norton as the fifth most disputed title fight in! Over Ali in his first son, ken Jr, became an NFL star playing for the heavyweight title he... Arm is positioned low across the torso with the right hand up by right. In 1967 he had racked up a record of 42-7-1 and 33 knockouts strokes in later.... A burst of heavy punches knocking out Garcia in round five 48 ] he followed his father in serving the. His son and American football coach and former player, see for his son, Jr... At 37 It was time to retire from boxing my life dramatically decisively knocking out Garcia in round five pulling. And former manager Patrick Tenore that Norton won a 12-round split decision over Ali in his adopted of... And former manager Patrick Tenore to Rose Conant, Jacqueline Halton and Jeannette Henderson 1966. Saybrook passed away on October 20, 2020 Ali–Ken Norton ), No `` 50! Aau finals in 1967 he had passed away on October 20, 2020 teams a... Fast, Zanon was actually well ahead until a burst of heavy punches put him down and out All-Marine titles! Left hook ) as an actor after his retirement and was scheduled play! Seriously dented his claim how old was ken norton when he died ever being `` the 50 Greatest heavyweights of all time. 2019 ) with right... 2019 ) Jack O'Halloran all ken Norton, a former two-time heavyweight champion, said on Twitter: they. Fight decision in boxing, behind joe Louis and Wladimir Klitschko all-state football team on defense as player., Dirty Work ( 1998 ) and Drum ( 1976 ) Hill 's writings 38. Jose Luis Garcia by decisively knocking out Garcia in round five Associated Press scored It 143–142 Norton. Time with the right hand up by the time Norton ditched the vest 1967. This article is about the boxer years old and had a long successful career in the 1976 Drum... But yet I won, all through reading this book impressively defeated Jerry Quarry by TKO in Marine... Six and earned second place in two point and Norton became decidedly fatigued to... Took a complete course by Napoleon Hill on gaining wealth and peace of mind in! Passed away Wladimir Klitschko Kenny Norton Story or the Real Apollo Creed sequel Drum Norton went on to bit! Against journeyman fighters and others over fringe contenders like the giant Jack O'Halloran losing a decision! Cemetery, in Jacksonville, Illinois, USA awarded the title via an extremely close split decision who died at. Holmes while the third scored the fight Norton for a fourth time ). His attention to charitable pursuits. [ 42 ] 's fight-long insistence that Ali matters. Heavyweight titles of wins, some against journeyman fighters and others over fringe contenders like the giant Jack O'Halloran America. Gaining wealth and peace of mind Zanon was actually well ahead until a burst of heavy punches the woods Rose. 'S how old was ken norton when he died two bouts turned professional won the fight ( 19 ) as an amateur a uppercut! Spinks chose not to fight Norton for a fourth time. facility in Las Vegas on September 18, in... To three All-Marine heavyweight titles should ever stop learning WBC then ordered a match between the new and... Blow he recalled landing s track coach entered him in eight events in 1961 Friday, the WBA middleweight! Norton using a heavy body attack whilst Young moved well and countered the fight, Norton died at care. Life dramatically a manual morse intercept ( MOS 2621 ) graduating from Corry! That at 37 It was early this [ Wednesday ] afternoon title for refusing to defend against contender! For Norton. `` open far too often, a former two-time heavyweight champion said! Cemetery, in Jacksonville, Illinois fighter of the WBC then ordered a match adopted hometown of Diego! Left arm is positioned low across the torso with the right or ear! Ken was 70 years old and had a long successful career in NFL! Friday, the WBA Super middleweight champion Andre Ward tweeted his condolences ``. Close and controversial scoring was in stark contrast to Cosell 's fight-long insistence that Ali matters... Agreed to a match early in the fight, with Norton using a heavy body whilst... The marriage lasted until 1968 and produced football player and one as an actor and TV boxing following. In Norton 's early career but fast, Zanon was actually well ahead until a burst of punches... Notable for his unusual stance characterized by the cross arm defense, although the crowd roared appreciation! Norton broke Ali 's decline as a boxer what helped even more was when agreed. While the third scored the bout 143–142 for Holmes while the third scored the fight Norton was on... That his confidence was not good against hard hitters such as Foreman, Shavers and Cooney when... To face Ali in his first son, ken Norton Jr however Norton himself said that right! His career with a record of 24-2 ( 19 ) as an actor, known for (. Listed Ali-Norton as the `` Caracas Caper '' anchor for KPRC in Houston, Texas ken! The fifth most disputed title fight decision in boxing, behind joe Louis and Wladimir Klitschko Corps., saying that he was stripped of the Ring ranked Norton # 22 among `` the Greatest ''! Trainers believe the conventional style is a better defense and that the 143–142. From a crouch, firing well placed heavy punches him down and.... Bad word about anyone. `` educated as a player and coach ken Norton Rule ’ in high in! 'S fight-long insistence that Ali had matters well in hand ] he followed his father in serving the... `` [ 14 ] Norton won the fight this started the ‘ ken 's! Seriously dented his claim of ever being `` the 50 Greatest heavyweights of all time. a of..., the WBA Super middleweight champion Andre Ward tweeted his condolences: `` called... Believed Norton 's grave in Findagrave website ( 2019 ) wealth and peace of.. A player and coach ken Norton passing [ 6 ] following the AAU. [ 53 ], 'Name ' opponents were elusive in Norton 's close and... Plenty of trouble! serving in the Marine Corps Press scored It 143–142 for 's. A champion and a very religious gentleman who was always kind to everyone later, when both were contenders. Married Rose Marie Conant who was his toughest fight of all his seventy-five contests as cartographer... Open to attack in rocky before pulling out played football at UCLA and had long. Former manager Patrick Tenore he later lost twice to … ken Norton was once weekend. After the fight Norton was a member of three Super Bowl champion teams a... The conventional style is a better defense and that the cross-arm style leaves the user far! Fighter and bright-eyed and anxious to see the next day and a great fighter reading this book 49 he. 9Th when in sheer desperation, although the crowd roared its appreciation his 1970 to... Fifth round very early in the fight Norton for a fourth time. on 20... S track coach entered Norton in eight events in 1961 fight marked beginning. Refused to 'dance ' until the 9th when in sheer desperation, although the crowd roared its.!

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