Ken Norton dead at 70

RIP Kenny, class act and a real inspiration.It should have been him having his hand raised in victory instead of Leon Spinks, in 1978, at least he would have had a few good months as undisputed champion.Also, would have been nice to see Ken fight Ron Lyle, Oscar Bonavena, Leon Spinks, John Tate, and former USMC teammate Mac Foster.

 

"I want to be known as a man who loved God!" not a very popular proclamation anymore, truly a good man. We (this present age), could do as bad!!!

 

Nice piece, FastHands....I agree.

I've been disappointed in some of the Norton coverage lately...about how he was the only champ to not be awarded the title in the ring. Certain bull**** writers, eager to find some negative angle to their stories, make Ken out to be a one-hit wonder. In '77 he was definitely the people's champ. He was a victim of all the Ali-worship at the time. Jerry Isenberg is a douche-bag.

 

^^^ and that's the very thing!

this 'worship' hype is what has killed boxing in the last 25 years. Every top dog or manager/promoter backed hyperbole fighter gets ALL the press, purposely overshadowing other worthy fighters and eliminating them from the attention and support necessary to move your way into Top Level. it's ridiculous and it is won because they know MOST of the fan base is little more than casual followers, so the Hype is both bought & works.

it's a shame, SO many excellent fights should be so much more and can't even compete their way into titles.

the Contenders, Peoples Champions and Cheated fighters are far more interesting than the protected hype machines that have already been given way too much ink.

Boxing, the Real Champs, from what the insiders KNOW so too speak!!!

a fine man and a REAL Champ, Rest in Peace!

 

I think he'd have beaten all those whom you mention. Lyle would be his toughest fight out of the bunch.

 

I feel the same way.That fight definitely should have been made.:good

 

Lyle would have been very dangerous for Ken in the first few rounds,Titan. Although a solid puncher,Ron was n't quite in the Foreman and Shavers class. That's why I see Ken's more varied skills being a factor.