49 years ago

Date: 31st March 1973

Venue: Sports Arena, San Diego, California, USA

Title: NABF Heavyweight Title

Promoter: San Diego Presents

Muhammad Ali
( 41 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 221 lbs

Ken Norton
( 29 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 210 lbs

An upset was in the air at The Sports Arena in San Diego, California on the 31st March.

With Ali entering this bout as a 5 to 1 favourite, Norton surprised most, including Ali with his efficiency at landing hard punches throughout. At some stage, one of these powerful blows broke Ali's jaw. "The Greatest" as Ali called himself, managed to hear the final bell despite the severe pain he had to endure.

Norton won by split decision to hand Ali only his second career defeat.

Scores: Frank Rustich 4-7 | Fred Hayes 6-5 | Hal Rickards 4-5