On this day: Muhammad Ali vs Ken Norton III

Looking back at the history of boxing, there are often plenty of memorable anniversary days occurring, with many involving Muhammad Ali. September 28 brings us back to 1976, with Muhammad Ali vs Ken Norton 3 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. To celebrate that anniversary once again, we take you back to fight night in 1976.

Muhammad Ali vs Ken Norton 3: Reliving September 28

Muhammad Ali vs Ken Norton III came about after Norton won the first meeting, while Ali won the rematch. Ali entered the trilogy as the WBC, WBA and Ring heavyweight champion. This showdown was memorable for another reason, as it was the final boxing match held at Yankee Stadium.

It was a fight where both had their moments, but the cleaner punches came from Norton, and this was reflected in the numbers, with Norton outlanding Ali 281-199, while also edging the power shots landed, 187-128.

Norton timed his punches well throughout, and his work rate gave him the edge for many watching, but the judges saw it differently, albeit close, 8-6 and 8-7 x2, giving Ali the unanimous decision victory.

Muhammad Ali: What came next

Muhammad Ali experienced losses alongside his memorable victories. After the trilogy win over Norton, Ali fought six more times, losing three of those, with his final fight being a unanimous decision loss to Trevor Berbick in 1981. He also suffered a brutal loss against Larry Holmes. However, Ali did beat Alfredo Evangelista and Ernie Shavers, and he also won the rematch against Leon Spinks.

The career and life of Muhammad Ali will live on for many generations because not many were called “the Greatest.”

Featured Image Credit:

Muhammad Ali Center.org photo