Read Top 30 Life-Changing Ken Norton Quotes on Boxing and Life


Updated: 25 Jan 2025

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“What if one simple belief could change your life? Ken Norton, a boxing legend, proved that it can.”

Ken Norton was a legendary American boxer known for his uncompromising and determined style in the 1970s. He became famous after defeating Muhammad Ali in 1973, an unbelievable victory that shocked the world. Norton became the WBC heavyweight champion in 1977, promising his place in boxing history. He also fought against top boxing legends like George Foreman and Larry Holmes, showing his strength and skill in the ring.

Inspiring Ken Norton quotes remind us that hard work, determination, and never giving up can lead to success, no matter how difficult the challenge is in daily life. His belief in staying focused and pushing through obstacles is something we can apply daily.

Best 5 Ken Norton Quotes

In this section, you’ll see American professional boxer Ken Norton’s top 5 quotes, which reflect his powerful mindset and offer inspiration for anyone facing challenges.

“I lost my edge for boxing, I didn’t put as much into it as I did before. I didn’t run as far. I didn’t train as hard. I didn-t eat correctly. I started drinking a little bit every now and then.”Boxing Legend Ken Norton
“When I talk to youngsters today, especially those involved in athletics, I tell them to get their education first.”World Champion Ken Norton
American boxer Ken Norton advises young athletes to prioritize education alongside their athletic pursuits
Ken Norton emphasizes the importance of education for young athletes
“The discomfort is because the widely assumed career path for PMs is quite simple and looks something like this:” Ken Norton
“We had to work tremendously hard to get the job to begin with, which makes this CEO hustle peer pressure so exhausting.” Fighter Ken Norton
Ken Norton posing confidently with a motivational quote about hard work and hustle
Ken Norton reflects on the importance of hard work and perseverance
“But what happens if somewhere along the line you discover that you’re climbing someone else’s ladder or just that you’re done climbing and happy to stay on your current rung?” Ken Norton, the Motivator

6 Ken Norton Quotes about Ali

Here are 6 memorable quotes from Ken Norton about Muhammad Ali, showcasing Norton’s respect and admiration for his legendary opponent.

“Ali had a break that was an inch and a half long, and you kept getting hit as hard and as much as I hit Ali, the pain would take over and you would pass out.” Ken Norton, Boxing Icon
Ken Norton and Muhammad Ali in a boxing arena, featuring a quote about Norton's powerful punches
Ken Norton reflects on the power behind his punches against Muhammad Ali
“Hitting Ali in the body or on the arms was like hitting a piece of cement.”Hall of Famer Ken Norton
“”When will they ever have another fighter who writes poems, predicts rounds, beats everybody, makes people laugh, makes people cry, and is as tall and extra-pretty as me?”. Ken Norton, Boxing Legend
“A fight with Ali gave me a chance at life, period.” Ken Norton, Athlete and Philosopher
Ken Norton throwing a punch during a boxing match with Muhammad Ali, alongside a quote about their impactful fight
Ken Norton on how fighting Ali changed his life
“Ali was very strong but because he wasn’t a one punch KO artist it is overlooked.” Champion Ken Norton
“Ali was a genius in the ring, but I had the determination and the willpower to match him.” Ken Norton, The Warrior

Quotes About Ken Norton

In this section, you’ll see powerful quotes about Ken Norton that emphasize his impact on the boxing world and the respect he earned from fellow athletes.

“Ken Norton is the toughest man I have faced. He hit me more times than I’ve ever been hit before and I was in great condition. I moved for 12 rounds, more than I moved in any of my fights.” Muhammad Ali
“Ken Norton was always nice to me even when I was just an amateur fighter. He always treated me like I was somebody. Remarkable man.” Mike Tyson
Mike Tyson reflecting on Ken Norton's kindness and mentorship during his amateur boxing days
Mike Tyson shares how Ken Norton’s kindness impacted him
“If he ever went broke, I’d sell one of my houses and give him the money if he needed it. I owe everything to what Ken Norton did for me.” Bill Slayton
“They said Muhammad Ali was pretty but you didn’t want to take your shirt off around Kenny Norton because he would embarrass you. It was a frightening thing to look across the ring at him and see all those muscles staring back. He was also a far better boxer than he showed in his fight with me, and proved it against Muhammad and Larry Holmes.” George Foreman
“He hit hard, I mean real hard. I didn’t want to get hit, and that was one of the reasons why I danced and moved. He was probably the hardest puncher I fought outside of Earnie Shavers.” Larry Holmes
Larry Holmes discusses Ken Norton's power as one of the hardest punchers he faced
Larry Holmes praises Ken Norton’s powerful punches
“He wasn’t sure if he could kick my a–, and I wasn’t sure if I could kick his a–, so we just remained buddies and never fought each other. We figured that unless the money got to that breaking point, it was best to remain friends. It would have been a rough fight, and I don’t really know if l would have won; but let’s just say I probably have a little more use of my brain today because I didn’t have to fight Ken Norton!” Joe Frazier
“I’ve always thought that Norton won all three of his fights with Ali, and I thought he had a bigger margin at Yankee Stadium than in the other two. I gave him nine of the fifteen rounds.” Eddie Futch

Ken Norton Boxing Quotes

In this area of the article, you’ll see former American boxer Ken Norton boxing powerful words to get motivated to overcome the challenges of life.

“Boxing is a tough sport. It’s a sport of survival. You’ve got to think on your feet, adapt, and never quit.”Legendary Boxer Ken Norton
Ken Norton discussing the challenges of boxing with a motivational quote
Ken Norton on the mental toughness needed in boxing
“It’s not about how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep going.” The Great Ken Norton
“Every time I step into the ring, I know I’m going to fight my hardest, and I’m going to give my all.” Ken Norton, World Heavyweight Champion
“You don’t have to be the fastest, but you have to be the smartest in the ring.” Ken Norton, The Dreamer

Ken Norton Quotes on Life and Legacy

“Success isn’t always about winning; it’s about pushing yourself beyond your limits.” Motivational Speaker Ken Norton
“I hope my legacy is one of a fighter who gave everything, both in the ring and in life.” Ken Norton, American Actor and Boxer
“Life’s about handling the punches. The better you handle them, the more respect you earn.” Ken Norton, Legendary American Boxer
“Boxing taught me a lot about life—how to take hits and keep moving forward.” American Boxing Icon Ken Norton
“When I’m gone, I want people to say I was a fighter, not just in the ring, but in life.” Ken Norton, USA Boxing Legend

Ken Norton Motivational  Quotes

These quotes show the strength of mind that helped Norton succeed in boxing. His words still inspire people to go beyond their limits and believe in themselves.

“Every fight I’ve been in, I’ve given it my all. That’s what I want people to remember me by.” Ken Norton, American Heavyweight Champion
“Boxing is about the heart. If you don’t have heart, you’re not going to make it.” Ken Norton, The American Boxing Star
“You have to believe in yourself, even when others don’t believe in you.” Ken Norton, American Boxing Hero
“The only limitations are the ones you place on yourself. Go beyond them.”Ken Norton, Fighter from the USA

FAQs

Who is Ken Norton, and why is he famous?

Ken Norton was an American professional boxer and actor best known for his influential role in the heavyweight division during the 1970s. He gained fame for defeating Muhammad Ali in 1973, which remains one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.

When and where was boxer Ken Norton born, and when did he pass away?

Ken Norton was born on August 9, 1943, in Jacksonville, Illinois. He died on September 18, 2013, in Henderson, Nevada.

What was Ken Norton’s most famous boxing achievement?

Ken Norton’s most famous achievement was his 1973 victory over Muhammad Ali. In a 12-round fight, Norton won the title of WBC Heavyweight Champion by a split decision.

What did Muhammad Ali say about Ken Norton?

Muhammad Ali admiringly spoke about Ken Norton, even though they were intense opponents in the ring. Ali said Norton was one of the most challenging rivals he ever faced, describing him as a strong fighter with a unique style.

What was Ken Norton’s net worth at the time of his death?

At the time of his death in 2013, Ken Norton’s net worth was $5 million. He earned this through his successful boxing career and public appearances.

What was the cause of Ken Norton’s death?

Ken Norton passed away on September 18, 2013, due to heart failure. He had been in poor health for several years after suffering a series of strokes.

What was Ken Norton’s boxing style?

Ken Norton had a unique boxing style that focused on strong defense and powerful, quick jabs. He was known for his ability to block punches and his unexpected movements.

Did Joe Frazier fight Ken Norton?

No, Joe Frazier and Ken Norton never fought each other in a professional fight. They were close friends and Fight partners, and Frazier even refused to fight Norton once because of their friendship.

How did Ken Norton get his physique?

Ken Norton built his powerful physique through intense training and a strict workout routine. He didn’t lift weights but remained in shape by running 6-7 miles daily and maintaining a strict workout routine.

Conclusion

So, in this article, we’ve discussed boxer Ken Norton quotes and his important life events, emphasizing his phenomenal physique, determination, and legacy in the sport. You should watch all of his legendary matches, particularly his fights with Muhammad Ali, to witness his abilities yourself. 

If you want to discover more about his life and journey, go deeper into his biography and be inspired by his dedication!”

“It’s not about how we fall but how we rise and keep moving forward.”


Muhammad Asad

Muhammad Asad

Muhammad Asad is the Admin and author of the Exciting Quotes website. He has been writing Quotes for over three years and has been featured in dozens of magazines and websites. Asad is passionate about motivating people by writing the easiest and best quotations to make their daily lives joyful.

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