Ken Norton was a former heavyweight champ and one of just two fighters to beat Muhammad Ali during his prime. Norton beat Ali in the first of their three fights, breaking his jaw in the process. Though Ali won the rematch and the rubber match on the cards, many thought Norton got the short end of the stick in both decisions.
Norton got his start in boxing during his time with the US Marine Corps, and eventually went on a 14-fight win streak, ending with Ali's victory in their second fight, that gave him a prominent name. Though he was unable to conquer other heavyweight legends like George Foreman and Larry Holmes, Norton remains high in boxing lore for his toughness. Holmes called his fight against Norton the toughest of his 70-fight career.
Norton passed away on Wednesday evening at the age of 70.
Here's video of Norton's victory over Ali in 1973, courtesy of The Telegraph. RIP.
