YANKEE STADIUM – 50 YEARS ALI Vs NORTON

The last heavyweight  boxing event of the 20th Century at Yankee Stadium in 1976, when Muhammad Ali won a controversial 15 round decision over his difficult opponent in Ken Norton. Norton’s style was Ali’s kryponite, as the reigning champion had struglled in his previous two bouts in 1973.  It could be debated that Norton won all three,  but the only one registered for Norton was in March of ’73 when Norton shocked the boxing world with an upset 12 round decision. In the rematch that September, Ali struggled but managed to cop a 12 round decision. The following year, Norton was knocked out in a challenge to George Foreman’s heavyweight title, while Ali then stopped Foreman in 8 rounds later that year  to claim the crown — which led up to the third and final fight.

But before this, 1975 and early 1976 had to be conquered, and Ali did have a third spectacular bout with Joe Frazier (RTD 14), while Norton s significant bout was topping Jeryy Quarry in five rounds. Other bouts Norton won included a revenge bout against Jose Luis Garcia, Pedro Lovell, Ron Stander, Larry Middleton, amoung others. Ali was busy as well – stopping Ron Lyle in 11, Chuck Wepner, Jimmy Young, and others until only one man stood the test, and that was Ken Norton. 

Subway Art/Yankee Stadium

SEPT 28, 2026 — 50 YEARS

The Ali vs. Ken Norton III fight took place on September 28, 1976, at Yankee Stadium in New York City. It was the third and final bout between Muhammad Ali and Ken Norton, and one of the most controversial fights in boxing history.

Fight Overview

• Event: Ali vs. Norton III
• Date: September 28, 1976
• Location: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
• Title at Stake: WBA/WBC Heavyweight Championship
• Result: Muhammad Ali won by unanimous decision (but controversially)

Background

• First Fight (1973): Norton won by split decision, famously breaking Ali’s jaw.
• Second Fight (1973): Ali won by split decision in a close contest.
• Third Fight (1976): This was the tiebreaker and highly anticipated.

The Controversy

Most ringside observers and boxing analysts felt Norton had done enough to win the third fight. He outlanded Ali in punches, was more aggressive, and controlled much of the action. However, the judges awarded Ali a unanimous decision (8–7 on all three scorecards under the 15-round system).

Ali himself admitted after the fight that he felt he had lost:

“I honestly thought Norton won.”

🏟️ Significance

• One of the last big fights at Yankee Stadium before it stopped hosting boxing events.
• A prime example of controversial judging in boxing.