Ken Norton - 1970s Heavyweights

The boxer Ken Norton had four children and his most famous child was the one that carried his name, Ken Norton Jr. Norton Jr. was an outstanding linebacker in the NFL for years and is now in coaching. But his father’s legacy was that of one of the toughest and hardest hitting boxers in the heavyweight division for the years Ken Norton climbed through the ropes to take on opposing pugilists. Like the other fighters aforementioned, Norton had fantastic won/loss record losing just seven times in 50 fights. But credit another heavyweight, Gerry Cooney for sending Norton into retirement. On May 11, 1981, Cooney crushed Norton in one round with some of the most devastating punches ever landed in the history of the sport. Norton would knock out 33 of his 42 opponents that he defeated and fought for the heavyweight title several times. Sadly, he passed away on September 18, 2013.