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Ken Norton Jr. has confirmed that his father, former Heavyweight champion Ken Norton Sr. 42-7, 33 KOs, has passed away at the age of 70 (per The Washington Post).
Norton Sr. was well known for his trilogy with Muhammad Ali, whom he defeated once in 1973. Norton won the NABF Heavyweight title in his lone win over Ali.
Norton Sr.’s power was something to be reckoned with, having broken Ali’s jaw in their first fight. Norton Sr. fought some of the best competition of his day including the aforementioned Ali, George Foreman, Jerry Quarry and Larry Holmes.
He was born Kenneth Howard Norton on August 9, 1943, and starred in high school football, basketball and track. He attended Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University) on a football scholarship as well.
Our condolences and prayers go out to the friends and family of Ken Norton Sr.
