Ken Norton: "The Jawbreakers" Career Overview

Ken Norton was born on August 9, 1943, in Morgan County, Illinois. He excelled in football and track & field at Jacksonville High School, made the All-State team, and attended Northeast Missouri State University on a football scholarship.

He studied education and considered teaching, but he ultimately joined the Marine Corps. While in the Marine Corps, Norton took up boxing and compiled a 24–2 record.

LISTEN TO PODCAST ON YOUR APP OF CHOICE

Ken Norton Goes Pro

After serving his country for 4 years, Norton settled in San Diego and turned professional in 1967. He also served as a sparring partner for 1964 Olympic gold medalist Joe Frazier.

Norton was 16–0 until July 1970, when he lost to Jose Luis Garcia. Norton was heavily favored to win what was expected to be a mere tune-up fight. Instead, Garcia knocked Norton out in the eighth round.

But Norton came back strong, winning his next thirteen bouts. Although he had not fought any big-name fighters, his 29–1 record earned him a shot at Muhammad Ali.

The fight took place on March 31, 1973, at the San Diego Sports Arena. Ali, on the comeback trail after losing to Joe Frazier two years earlier, was a 5–1 favorite. But Norton shocked the world by winning a 12-round split decision and breaking Ali’s jaw. Those who had not heard of Norton before knew him now.

Norton's Success

Norton attributed much of his success to a book he read on positive thinking, Napoleon Hill’s Think & Grow Rich. Perhaps some of his success also stemmed from Norton’s unorthodox style of crossing his arms in a crab-like manner, reminiscent of the former lightweight champion Archie Moore.

Less than six months later, the two met again in Inglewood, California. This time, Ali won a 12-round split decision.

Despite the loss, Norton earned his first shot at the title six months later. His opponent was George Foreman, who had recently defeated Joe Frazier to win the title. It didn’t end well for Norton; he was knocked out in the second round.

Undeterred by the devastating loss to Foreman, Norton won his next seven fights. In March 1975, he defeated top contender Jerry Quarry by fifth-round TKO. Five months later, he finally got a rematch with Jose Luis Garcia and won by fifth-round knockout.

On Sept. 26, 1976, at Yankee Stadium, Norton earned his second shot at the title. He faced Muhammad Ali again, who had won the title from George Foreman. The fight went the distance, and many observers believed Norton had won. But Ali was awarded a 15-round unanimous decision. Norton was visibly upset by the controversial decision. Years later, Norton said he never had the same passion for boxing after that loss.

Nonetheless, Norton defeated top contender Duane Bobick in May 1977 by way of a devastating first-round TKO. Six months later, Norton fought Jimmy Young, who had recently defeated George Foreman. The winner would claim the vacated WBC heavyweight title. Norton won a controversial 15-round split decision.

On June 9, 1978, Norton lost the title to Larry Holmes by a 15-round split decision. The fight was voted one of the best heavyweight bouts of the 1970s, and the fifteenth round was voted one of the best rounds of all time. Years later, Holmes called his fight with Norton the toughest of his career.

Later that year, Norton knocked out Randy Stephens in the third round, setting up a fight with top contender Earnie Shavers. At nearly 36, some felt Norton’s best days were behind him and that it would be wise to retire rather than fight the heavy-hitting Shavers. Shavers made short work of Norton, knocking him out in the first round.

But, as far too many boxers do, he continued, fighting low-ranked Scott LeDoux to a 10-round draw. That fight was followed by a 10-round split-decision win over another low-ranked boxer, Randall Tex Cobb.

It was clear that Norton no longer had the tools to fight top contenders, but at almost 38, he stepped into the ring with Gerry Cooney. It was an ill-advised decision, and Cooney knocked him out in the first round.

After retiring with a 42–7–1 record, Norton landed acting roles and also worked as a boxing commentator. But in 1986, Norton was involved in a car accident that almost killed him.

Norton was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992.

Ken Norton died on Sept. 18, 2013, at age 70.

Like This Article? Please Consider Sharing It

Mark Morthier is the host of Yesterday’s Sports, a podcast dedicated to reliving memorable sports moments from his childhood days and beyond. He grew up in New Jersey just across from New York City, so many of his episodes revolve around the great sport’s teams of the 70s for the New York area.

He is also an author of No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training (Second Edition): A Guide for People with Limited Time and Running Wild: (Growing Up in the 1970s)