Table of Contents
- Ken Norton Net Worth: $5 Million
- Highlights
- Early Life
- Career
- Personal Life
- Net Worth Over Time
- Components of Net Worth
Ken Norton Net Worth: $5 Million
Net Worth | $5 Million |
Salary | N/A |
Birthdate | August 9, 1943 |
Birthplace | Jacksonville |
Gender | Male |
Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
Profession | Professional Boxer, Sports commentator, Actor |
Nationality | United States of America |
Highlights
Ken Norton, the American professional boxer, had a net worth of $5 million at the time of his death in 2013. He is most remembered for being one of only two boxers to defeat Muhammad Ali during his prime. Norton broke Ali’s jaw in the 12th round of their fight in March 1973. He had a successful professional career, winning 42 out of 50 bouts, with 33 victories coming via knockout. Norton was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992.
Early Life
Ken Norton was born on August 9, 1943, in Jacksonville, Illinois. He attended Jacksonville High School, where he excelled in football and track. Norton earned All-State recognition in football and won seven out of eight track and field events in his senior year. His impressive performance led to the implementation of the “Ken Norton Rule,” which limited the number of events a student athlete could participate in.
Norton received a football scholarship to Northeast Missouri State University, where he studied elementary education. However, he dropped out of college and enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1963. It was during his military service that Norton took up boxing and achieved significant success as an amateur, winning three all-Marine heavyweight titles and various other championships.
Career
Ken Norton turned professional in 1967 and had an impressive undefeated streak in his early years. He defeated notable opponents such as Harold Dutra, Jimmy Gilmore, and Ray Junior Ellis. Norton’s first loss came in 1970 against Jose Luis Garcia, but he bounced back with a string of victories. His most significant achievement was his split-decision upset over Muhammad Ali in 1973, which earned him the North American Boxing Federation heavyweight title.
Norton had two more fights against Ali, both of which he lost. However, the third bout remains a subject of debate. Throughout his career, Norton faced other legendary boxers like George Foreman and Leon Spinks. He regained the NABF heavyweight title in 1975 but ultimately retired from professional boxing in 1981 after a defeat to Gerry Cooney.
In addition to his boxing career, Norton pursued acting and appeared in films such as “Mandingo” and “Drum.” He also worked as a television boxing commentator and made public speaking appearances.
Personal Life
Ken Norton was married three times during his life. His first marriage to Jeanette Henderson resulted in a son named Ken Norton Jr., who went on to have a successful career as a professional football player and coach. Norton’s second marriage was to Jackie Halton, and they had a daughter named Kenisha and a son named Kene. He later married Rose Conant, and he also had a son named Keith from his first marriage.
Norton passed away on September 18, 2013, at the age of 70 in Henderson, Nevada.
Net Worth Over Time
Ken Norton’s net worth of $5 million at the time of his death in 2013 reflected his earnings as a professional boxer and his subsequent career as a sports commentator and actor. His success in the ring, especially his victory over Muhammad Ali, contributed to his financial success during his active years.
Components of Net Worth
Ken Norton’s net worth primarily comprised earnings from his boxing career, including fight purses, guarantees, and pay-per-view bonuses. His first fight against Muhammad Ali in 1973 earned him $300,000, equivalent to around $2 million adjusted for inflation. Norton’s subsequent rematches against Ali also contributed significantly to his wealth.
Apart from his boxing earnings, Norton also received income from his acting appearances, television commentary, and public speaking engagements.
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