Ken Norton Leaves Yankee Stadium Without Ali’s Title

Menu Results Schedule Rankings Videos Tickets Forum Contact Us Menu Rankings Schedule Results Boxing Live Ken Norton Leaves Yankee Stadium Without Ali’s Title Google News Preferred Source By Boxing News 24 Desk - 09/28/2026 - Comments Ken Norton had beaten Muhammad Ali once and pushed him to a split decision in their rematch. At Yankee Stadium on September 28, 1976, he came closer than ever to taking Ali’s heavyweight championship. The judges gave Ali the final round and a unanimous decision.

Nearly 50 years later, the argument over the other 14 rounds remains. Their rivalry began in 1973, when Norton broke Ali’s jaw and won a split decision in San Diego. Ali took another split decision six months later.

By the third fight, Ali had regained the heavyweight title from George Foreman, and Norton was the leading contender. They knew each other’s habits. Norton also knew his crouch, awkward rhythm, and crossing-arm defense could disrupt Ali’s jab.