WBC Countdown to #FuryWhyte Greatest Heavyweight Fights by OPUS: #NortonAli I

The first in a trilogy between Muhammad Ali and Ken Norton. Ali lost this first one and won the next two, in controversial style. Each encounter was difficult and testing for both men.  In this first fight, Ali had difficulty with Ken`s unorthadox style, constant pursuit and strength, reinforced by an awkward cross armed defense. Ken was very busy. He pressed the action throughout, which caught the Judges` attention and he won a split decision. Ali was treated in hospital for a broken jaw. He said it had happened in the second round when he was telling Ken: “I`m the greatest!” Years later Ken was badly injured in a car accident. He awoke in hospital, to find Ali praying at the foot of his bed. One time rivals…forever friends! Boxing…at its absolute finest!

WBC Countdown to #FuryWhyte Greatest heavyweight fights by OPUS: #NortonAli 1

The first of three toe to toe battles. Norton won the first one, Ali got the other ones.

*Did you know Ali got his jaw broken in round 2 of this match and still went the whole distance? pic.twitter.com/qhzMYcx7Hq

— Mauricio Sulaiman (@wbcmoro) April 16, 2022