Ken Norton
Broke Ali's Jaw, WBC Heavyweight Champion, Three Ali Fights
The Jawbreaker Leo
Ken Norton fought Muhammad Ali three times — split the series, broke his jaw in the first fight, and gave him the most competitive trilogy of his career. The 1973 upset victory over Ali announced Norton as the most dangerous heavyweight of his era. He later won the WBC heavyweight title and appeared in films, a Leo who succeeded in two completely different fields.
Leo Legacy
- Ali trilogy: 3 fights with Muhammad Ali — 1 win, 1 loss, 1 loss — split the first two
- Jaw broken: Broke Ali’s jaw in 1973 — one of boxing’s greatest upsets
- WBC Heavyweight title: 1978 — stripped in his first and only title defense
- Mandingo: Film career — appeared opposite James Mason in Hollywood productions
Norton’s Leo achievement was making the invincible human — which is the most anyone can do.
“I hit so hard I could break your concentration.”