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50 Years Ago Today: Muhammad Ali Vs. Ken Norton III – The Rubber-Match At Yankee Stadium

Throughout his incomparable ring career, the one and only Muhammad Ali always, always had nothing but trouble with one particular fighter and his “awkward” style. This was Ken Norton, whom

Published: Tuesday, 29 September 2026 at 1:45 AM
50 Years Ago Today: Muhammad Ali Vs. Ken Norton III – The Rubber-Match At Yankee Stadium
Key Things to Know
  • Muhammad Ali and Ken Norton faced off in their trilogy fight at Yankee Stadium in September 1976.
  • Norton had previously beaten Ali by split decision in 1973, while Ali won the rematch by split decision.
  • Ali put his world heavyweight title on the line after Norton won seven consecutive fights.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Muhammad Ali and Ken Norton met for their rubber-match at a sold-out Yankee Stadium in New York in September 1976. The world title bout marked the third encounter between the two rivals, whose previous fights had both gone to split decisions.

Norton entered the fight on a seven-fight winning streak, having previously broken Ali's jaw in their first bout in 1973. Despite Ali employing tactics such as rope-a-doping and constant movement, Norton's timing and cross-armed defense presented consistent challenges throughout the matchup.

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