Muhammad Ali defended his undisputed world heavyweight title against Ken Norton

Date: September 28, 1976

Venue: Yankee Stadium, New York

Ali stance: orthodox

Norton stance: orthodox

Muhammad Ali won his rematch with Ken Norton on a hotly disputed split decision. Ali then won his next ten bouts, beating Joe Frazier in a rematch and regaining the undisputed heavyweight crown when he stopped George Foreman. Perhaps his most exciting win was a savage battle with Joe Frazier in their trilogy fight - The Thrilla in Manilla. There were signs Ali was slowing down a little and becoming easier to hit.

Ken Norton's next fight, after his controversial loss to Ali in their rematch, was to challenge George Foreman for the undisputed title. That bout ended in the second round after Foreman dropped Norton three times. Norton won his next seven bouts, with the best results being fifth round stoppages of Jerry Quarry and Ron Stander. Norton also avenged his first pro loss with a fifth round stoppage of Jose Luis Garcia. Up next was another boxing classic.

For an in depth look at their respective records, visit:

Muhammad Ali - https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/000180

Ken Norton - https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/168