Ken Norton Vs Muhammad Ali: Another View

Norton is one of the great boxers from in modern history, but he is ranked considerably behind Ali who described himself as “The Greatest”. Norton was a different man—as you will see from the following paragraphs.

( The blow that Broke Ali's Jaw?) a) Norton did not evade the military draft and was a member of the Marines from 1963-67. Ali objected to the draft on whimsical grounds. He claimed that as a Muslim, his religion forbade him to fight wars. Norton was inducted into the United States Marine Corps Sports Hall in 2004, a recognition he deserved. b) Ali—born Cassius Clay—converted to Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali. He claimed 'Cassius Clay' reminded him of a slave hangover. His constant jabs against whites are worth consideration even today as it demonstrates his bent of mind at the time. c) Norton was a family man and lived his life within that bound. Ali on the other hand married 4 times and fathered 9 children as well 2 outside marriage. Ali was like Lothario—an unscrupulous seducer of women.

Ali—despite all of this—received greater recognition among those of the American nation. It was more than apparent that Ali was preferred to Norton in their 3rd title bout when he was declared the winner in a split decision. Norton felt he'd won the fight and so did many others, including Harry Carpenter, Britain’s top commentator who told his listeners that the decision was simply not right. Norton died a few days back at the age of 70.