Ken Norton

The last leg of the Trilogy Ali-Norton 1976 Louis-Schmeling 1938. Dempsey/Sharkey 1927 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.   Yankee Stadium’s Legendary Role in Boxing History Yankee Stadium isn’t just a cathedral of baseball—it’s also hosted some of the most iconic moments in boxing history. Here’s a look at its knockout legacy:  Early Beginnings First boxing match: Held on May 12, 1923, main event between Floyd Johnson and Jess Willard. shortly after the stadium opened. Boxing surged in popularity during the 1920s, thanks to stars like Jack Dempsey, prompting promoters to seek massive venues like Yankee Stadium. Historic Fights That Captivated the World Joe Louis vs. Max Schmeling II (1938): A politically charged rematch where Louis delivered a first-round KO in front of 70,000 fans. It was more than a fight—it was a symbol of resistance against Nazi ideology. Rocky Marciano vs. Archie Moore (1955): Marciano came off the canvas to win by 9th-round KO in what would be his final fight, retiring undefeated. Sugar Ray Robinson vs. Kid Gavilan (1949): A controversial decision win for Robinson in a clash of future legends. Tony Zale vs. Rocky Graziano (1946): The first of their trilogy, ending in a 6th-round KO by Zale. Other Notable Bouts Sandy Saddler vs. Willie Pep: Their third bout ended with Pep retiring due to injury, giving Saddler the featherweight crown. Carmen Basilio vs. Sugar Ray Robinson: Basilio won the middleweight title in a split decision before 38,000 fans. Ingemar Johansson vs. Floyd Patterson: Johansson shocked the crowd by flooring Patterson seven times in just three rounds. Modern Revival After a 34-year hiatus, boxing returned to Yankee Stadium in 2010 with Miguel Cotto vs. Yuri Foreman, reigniting the venue’s fighting spirit. Dempsey Sharkey Photo print Ali-Norton FULL FIGHT Daily Motion