Jacksonville, IL- International Known Heavyweight Boxing Champion Ken Norton Sr. will return to his hometown in August to celebrate his 65th Birthday. A “KNOCKOUT” Birthday Bash/Fundraiser will be held in Ken’s honor on Friday, August 8, 2008. The filet mignon dinner and auction will benefit Pathway Services and the Retired Boxers Foundation. This event will be held at 6:30 p.m. at 110 North East in Jacksonville..
Norton is best known for breaking Muhammad Ali’s jaw in their first fight, March 31, 1973 for the North American Boxing Federation Title Belt. After 42 career wins and 33 knockouts, Norton was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame. He went on to star in two internationally popular films, “Mandingo” and “Drum”. Norton has made a total of 21 film appearances. He also has a role in the 2008 movie, “The Man Who Came Back”, as well as a second book, “Believe: A Journey from Jacksonville” scheduled to be released in 2009.
Before his boxing career, Norton made headlines as a star athlete at Jacksonville High School. Entered in Eight events at one competition, he took first place in five events and placed second in the other three. As a result, Illinois high schools instituted the “Ken Norton Rule,” limiting athletes to a maximum of three track and field events at each competition. After high school, Ken attended Northeast Missouri, and then joined the Marines; he then began his boxing career at age 23.
Norton now resides in Orange County, California.
“It is good to come home and share something with the town I grew up in,” said Norton.
Many special guests will be attending the celebration, including Earnie Shavers—the hardest puncher in heavyweight history, Ernie Terrell—WBA World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Hector “Macho” Camacho—Eight time World Champion, Mark Scott—Lead Singer of the Miracles, Theo Peoples—Lead Singer of the Four Tops, Carol Connors—Oscar Nominee and co-writer of the “ROCKY” theme song, “GONNA FLY NOW”. (More)
Tickets for the “KNOCKOUT” Birthday Bash are $75/person. Advance reservations are required. Please contact Donald Hennessey Jr., Manager, Ken Norton Enterprises, Inc. 217.245.2420 or 217.320.5647