Ken Norton / Happy Birthday!

By David Martinez / Boxing Historian

I recently received a nice note and photo from my good friend Jim Carlin regarding the recent Ken Norton birthday gathering in his hometown of Jacksonville, Illinois, on August 15 and 16.

Ken Norton, born August 9, 1943, and was certainly one of the top heavyweights of recent times, and he fought all the best heavyweights during his career.

The three most memorable things that I will always remember about Ken Norton are:

#1) When I was ringside in July 1970 in Los Angeles and witnessed, in my opinion, one of the biggest upsets in boxing when a undefeated Norton was knocked out by a virtual unknown from Caracas, Venezuela – Jose Luis Garcia.

#2) His first fight against Muhammad Ali, March 1973, in San Diego, California, he shocked the world with a “jaw breaking” split decision win over Ali.

#3) His WBC title fight vs. Larry Holmes in June 1978, was one of the best heavyweight fights that I have ever seen.

A mild mannered man, let us all wish a belated Happy Birthday to former champion Ken Norton, who just celebrated his 65th birthday with family and friends.

I would like to thank Jim Carlin for this photo featuring (l-r) Mark Scott (lead singer Miracles), Ernie Terrell, Ken Norton, Jim Carlin and Earnie Shavers.

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Coming next week to my website will be a smashing article that you will not want to miss: “Why Mike Tyson is NOT in My Top Ten” of the greatest heavyweight champions. This article will feature opinions and comments from other boxing experts that you will enjoy!