CANASTOTA, NY – SEPTEMBER 18, 2013 – The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced its flags will fly at half-staff in memory of heavyweight champion Ken Norton, who passed away today in Las Vegas. He was 70.
1992 Hall of Fame Inductee Ken Norton
“Ken Norton was one of the standouts of the talent-filled 1970s heavyweight division,” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. “He was a great fighter in the ring and a great person outside of it. The Hall of Fame joins the worldwide boxing community in mourning his passing.”
Born August 9, 1943 in Jacksonville, Illinois, Norton was a gifted football, basketball and track star in high school. He began boxing while in the Marine Corps where he compiled a 24-2 record. After turning pro in 1967 Norton quickly became a key player in the heavyweight division. He engaged in a classic three-fight series with fellow Hall of Famer Muhammad Ali (W 12, L 12, L 12). Norton captured the NABF title twice (1973 and 1975) and held the WBC heavyweight championship (1978).
During his career Norton scored wins over Boone Kirkman, Jose Luis Garcia, Ron Stander, Duane Bobick, Tex Cobb, Jerry Quarry and Jimmy Young among others. His professional record reads 42-7-1 (33 KOs).
In 1992, Norton was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.