USAToday.com--Former world heavyweight champion Ken Norton is in a 'delicate condition' in hospital after suffering a heart attack in Las Vegas.
The 69-year-old memorably inflicted the second defeat in Muhammad Ali's career in 1973 earning a 12th round split decision victory after breaking Ali's jaw.
He completed a tough trilogy against 'The Greatest' by going the distance but losing twice - the last of which in 1976 at the Yankee Stadium in New York.
He was taken ill, however, at the weekend and was unable to attend a WBC 'Legendary Night' in Nevada.
WBC president Jose Sulaiman visited Norton and said: 'I went to visit him at the hospital and he’s not good, though the doctor said to me that he will be OK.'
Norton, who was handed the WBC title in 1978 but lost after 15 brutal rounds on his first defence against Larry Holmes, eventually retired from the ring in 1981 after his first round stoppage to Gerry Cooney at Madison Square Garden.
The defeat saw his illustrious career end with a record of 42 wins (33 by way of knockout), 7 losses and a draw.
Posted By: Siebra Muhammad
Monday, October 1st 2012 at 3:17PM
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