Ken Norton Sr., a one-time heavyweight boxing champion, died today at a hospital in Arizona where he had been rehabilitating from a stroke he suffered in 2012. He was 70 years old.
Friend and manager Patrick Tenore confirmed the news of Norton's passing.
Norton, who had congestive heart failure, defeated Muhammad Ali in 1973 and then lost a rematch to the iconic athlete later that same year.
He also fought Ali and lost again at Yankee Stadium in 1976.
Norton won the World Boxing Council title in 1978 and lost it after just a few months to Larry Holmes. He finished his career with a record of 42-7-1 (with 33 knockouts).
Norton attempting an acting career after he retired from the ring and his son won multiple Super Bowls as a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers.
Our thoughts go out to his friends and loved ones.
The Hollywood Gossip