How Ali Avenged A Broken Jaw - Ali vs Norton 2 Explained

After six long months of recovery and hard work, the night arrived. The future of the heavyweight division and the fate of the world's most influential champion all rested on this one fight.

[@TheModernMartialArtist]

Technique Books: www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/category/tmmabooks/ Mortal Weapons The Fight Comic: www.amazon.com/Mortal-Weapons-David-Christian-ebook/dp/B07T4X4W1K/

[@gibraltar4841]

Big j

[@jobymanuel1353]

Too bad he never got to avenge his brocken leg.

[@mohammedshahnawaz4359]

U know the person like this fucking narrator who never acknowledges a an extraordinary human being,blessed by the almighty, these fucking basturds will always try to knock a great down

[@TheRealAbraxas]

Is there a chance you could do a breakdown on Ciryl Gane? I know you usually only do Boxing, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai but Gane has completely elevated heavyweight MMA striking IMO to a new level no one has seen

[@vincentbradshaw9980]

This has to be one of the greatest boxing breakdown reviews Ive seen so far on KZbin. Great job, I was biting my fingernails half way in...V

[@touchtennis]

When Norton nearly died in a car accident the first person by his bedside was Ali. Two gents. Two of the greats.

[@mycollections4068]

@@Stout_Krout_HinesburgVT6337 it's just a way of saying...... He was there that is sufficient

[@winteroutside7014]

ali wanted to watch him die is all , no real concern

[@barrykime5580]

Two of the very best. Great people.

[@BChan1991]

the respect gained after fighting someone is immense

[@winteroutside7014]

@@BChan1991 ''you beat me three time, and i never been beat before. i don't respect you ''- demontae a little less wilder

[@ianshue2890]

There’s no way that note was from Norton. Norton was such a humble human being, hell he thanked Ali for fighting him because it was his biggest payday. Norton didn’t care that he won, he was just glad he got enough money where he can take care of his family

[@johnnycharly2866]

Yeah more likely from Frazier than Norton if anyone lmao

[@scottg6754]

Truth. I met Norton a few times. He would never say this. Probably somebody to fire up Ali.

[@gino2033]

Eddie Futch

[@scottg6754]

@@gino2033 Plausible for sure but why would Futch want want to fire up Ali like this?

[@pala6898]

I suspect Sonny Liston but was he dead at that date i don't know

[@fiucik1]

People don't realize how important was this fight for Ali. He lost to Frazier in the fight of the century in 71'. Then he was on a quest to regain the crown/rematch Frazier. For two years he fought frequently with top contenders. And then1973 enters. In January the seemingly unstoppable Frazier is destroyed in brutal fashion by George Foreman. And then Ali lost to Norton. 2 years of hard work by Ali gone. Lost. If he loses the rematch against Ken, his career might be over. So he trained hard, trimmed down to 212lbs. He's dead serious in this fight. No mocking, no staring Norton down. And he delivered. Although it was very close. All the credit to Norton.

[@scottg6754]

I was young. 14 but very intense. I went with the narrative his jaw was broken. But even though Ali came out fast, Norton just kept him off rythym. I kind of panicked and hope he could get one out. He did but it was scary. My parents were happy. I was an intense kid. I wouldn't have been a mess for months. Not kidding

[@Stout_Krout_HinesburgVT6337]

Ali said during an interview with Mark Cronin in October of 1976: "Kenny’s style is too difficult for me. I can’t beat him, and I sure don’t want to fight him again. I honestly thought he beat me in Yankee Stadium, but the judges gave it to me, and I’m grateful to them." Sport Bible boxing experts said, "Norton out-jabbed Ali, broke his jaw and beat him all 3 times." Floyd Mayweather said on 'The Fumble' sports news show, "Ali really lost all three times to Ken Norton."

[@paysonfox88]

An older Ken Norton even took prime Larry Holmes to the brink of hell. He put Larry Holmes through hell. And their title fight, Holmes came closer to losing than any of his first 48 fights. It took brute Force to really be Ken Norton. His two big losses were to Jerry Cooney and George Foreman. Both of those guys are all time punchers. Tremendous power was required to take Norton out.

[@matthews8576]

@@Stout_Krout_HinesburgVT6337 Holmes was absolutely at his prime when he fought Norton. Good thing, a one point decision after one of the greatest heavyweight 15 round championships in history.

[@fiucik1]

@@Stout_Krout_HinesburgVT6337 Yea, well, let's not forget that Ken was awarded a quite controversial decision over Jimmi Young, which eventually gave him a distinction of WBC champion, so he shouldn't mount to much about judges scorecards. Plus next years proved that it was Holmes who "deserved" being a champion more than Norton, who was at the end of his career anyway. Norton didn't have the jaw to fight against big punchers. Hence his quick losses to Foreman, Shavers and Cooney.

[@TheSubwaysurfer]

Ali is given a lot of credit for his athletic prowess and his iron will, but he deserves massive amounts of credit for his mindset.

[@jonrhythm3686]

Absolutely. The man was brilliant.

[@aarondigby5054]

​@jonrhythm3686 too go the distance in three fights with Ali, a total of 43rds, smdh.

[@TheAutumnWind_RN4L]

And chin.

[@saharkeydar9091]

I love how you're framing nortan as an absolute monster, perfectly crafted to destroy ali, and ali as the underdog, having to overcome trials just in order to hit the man, such a fantastic breakdown, wonderful storytelling and overall production, great job David

[@sarah_7701]

Norton was the underdog

[@Adz187]

@@sarah_7701 not in the second fight though🥊

[@Stout_Krout_HinesburgVT6337]

Ali said during an interview with Mark Cronin in October of 1976: "Kenny’s style is too difficult for me. I can’t beat him, and I sure don’t want to fight him again. I honestly thought he beat me in Yankee Stadium, but the judges gave it to me, and I’m grateful to them." Sport Bible boxing experts said, "Norton out-jabbed Ali, broke his jaw and beat him all 3 times." Floyd Mayweather said on 'The Fumble' sports news show, "Ali really lost all three times to Ken Norton."

[@johnoneill7947]

Thank You!

[@Adz187]

@@johnoneill7947 why are you thanking people lol

[@kaiidiazz7]

Ken doesn’t get the recognition he truly deserves, equally skilled as the big three of the Golden Age of Heavyweight boxing

[@Suplex479]

Maybe not equal but incredible for sure. One of the greatest fighters to never win a title.

[@scottg6754]

@@Suplex479 Norton was the WBC Champion

[@christophercruz3835]

Imo he was more skilled than foreman, but he had the least talent of the big four( Ali, foreman, Frazier, Norton) since he had a bad chin.

[@fiucik1]

@@christophercruz3835 What about Larry Holmes? Everybody seems to be forgetting The Easton Assassin.

[@tchaliz4925]

@@fiucik1 that s because nobody likes Harry Holmes

[@stevenrahman8972]

“…and when Ali did take the bait, he usually found himself caught on a hook…” beautiful. Just beautiful.

[@jessejordache1869]

Ha, I missed the pun there.

[@petrus19881]

Word smith* 👌

[@chrissnape9537]

Ali, having to fight, Frazer, Foreman, and Norton, gee whiz. What stamina and courage they both showed !

[@HorangiTiger]

I think this is one of the best videos you've made. Your narration perfectly framed the fight's narratives with Ali regaining his hunger and now coming in as the challenger. I especially loved how you had each line of the note come in as you read it off and then reminded us of it later in the fight while we saw Ali struggling; perhaps Ali himself thought about that note mid-fight in order to dig deep. And of course, your fight analysis was on-point as always.

[@TheModernMartialArtist]

Thanks for taking the time to notice and bring that stuff up, I appreciate hearing that it worked!

[@remyhavoc4463]

The modern Martial Artist is low-key a better documentary channel than actual documentary channels even though he's a breakdown channel 😂

[@user-wr1om9gl8o]

The skill and knowledge shown in these videos is palpable. There is a level of skill and research that is very rarely seen on any platform in any genre! Absolutely love the content.

[@jaunnada3648]

If only Ali won and was not gifted a decision by the boxing powerbrokers

[@bennyb.1742]

@@TheModernMartialArtist Yeah man, I'm not even a big time fight fan or anything but all your videos make such great stories out of these cool historical events. I really enjoy them a lot.

[@alektech7436]

Another pure gold video! I would love to see a brekadown of Holmes vs Norton or the III Ali Norton fight. I know Ali was on a decline in 1976, his relfexes, legs and speed were shot, but the amount of times he readjusted in that one was insane. That alone deserves a flawless breakdown like this one

[@geenadasilva9287]

definite second for the Norton v Holmes fight. always seemed to me like Larry learned a lot from the Ali Norton fights. would love to hear your breakdown.

[@alektech7436]

@@geenadasilva9287 yea! It is super interesting to see how both Holmes and Ali struggled with Norton and how each of them dealt with it. Holmes vs Norton is an absolutely epic fight that surely deserves a breakdown

[@denissssss8579]

Ali won 2 out of 3 Norton fights deserved

[@Mr_Furrz2]

@@alektech7436 Norton was favored against Holmes; Holmes was the challenger.. He didn't struggle against Norton-Holmes overcame Norton and took the Belt.

[@geoffreyedgson7875]

He's called "the Greatest," for a lot of reasons. Personally, I call it because he defeated all the greats in an era of Titans, and did evolve more than most fighters across his whole career.

[@johnnycharly2866]

Ken Norton: “Hitting Ali in the body or on the arms was like hitting a piece of cement.”

[@joshuaremo922]

Ali’s chin was god tier good. Just as iconic as his speed and boxing ability.

[@Neverwasneveris]

@@joshuaremo922 It's his best attribute. Even when he had Parkinson's and was fighting in fights he should have never even contemplated, his chin was still something else.

[@jessejordache1869]

I heard somewhere that Ali did no weight training. All he did was calisthenics, aerobics, and of course, sparring. If you trained all the time, like Ali did (other than his banned years), that would leave you with a cast iron skillet under your shirt.

[@clutchcure6821]

@@jessejordache1869 probably explains why he never knocked anyone out later on in his career

[@clutchcure6821]

@@joshuaremo922 yeah because he just ran and dodged most of the fights lol

[@DorianBlackberg]

Norton needs some mad love man. what an incredible fighter. Often forgotten when the greats are talked about. Maybe because he was quiet, maybe because he doesn't hold such a perfect record. But for god's sake when you see him fight, it's a spectacle.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

Norton, and also Jack Johnson, had equally perfect bodies, for boxing!...strong upper body, muscular, and narrow hips....Ali too, had a great body, when he bothered to really train for a fight....don't forget--Ken Norton was Mandingo!

[@marcyfan-tz4wj]

i watched norton every chance i got and always did feel mad love for him. when ali says after the fight (maybe to spite frazier) "he's the best in the world besides me!", that's respect!

[@leonardblush2557]

Ali was about as close to the "old" Ali in this fight, Frazier 2 and Foreman. The Norton loss may have been a blessing, in that he was forced to train harder, thus getting the needed edge for a brutal trio of fights.

[@sebastianblackfyre]

It was indeed

[@user-ew1xu4wq4k]

Yeah it literally prepared him to go on one of the greatest runs in boxing ever. To come back and beat Norton, Frazier and Foreman within a year and regain the title. Incredible.

[@aarondigby5054]

He fought the greatest trilogy of all time SuperFight1 Ali/Frazier. Then another trilogy with Norton who was capable of beating him. Ali did not duck and Dodge opponents. In his trilogy with Norton. When Ali connected with his punches they were more definitive and impactful, Ali had a slightly better championship pedigree than Norton the showmanship, craftsmanship, his technique slightly edged out Norton and a couple of times you could see Norton in trouble

[@aarondigby5054]

The Ali/Norton trilogy was a real fight fest, these two warriors really put on a show, Ali had a slightly better pedigree. When Ali connected his punches were clearer and accurate, you cod tell they were effecting Norton, if Norton had possibly knocked Ali down or something but Ali was never knocked down

[@jessejordache1869]

As far as I know, this was Ali's last "dancing" fight. After this, he had to reach deeper into his pro-kit: right-hand leads, practicing getting hit so he could gauge when his sparring partners started to run out of gas (he did this years before he fought Foreman), and a million other tiny details.

[@finauott6808]

These breakdowns are just amazing every detail is so precise that I even use some of these moves for when I'm training

[@jonathanwilliams8309]

This fight was pure sport at the highest level. Norton gave the Greatest,more trouble than any other other fighter, including Frazier. But because the Greatest, truly was the Greatest he always found a way to prevail, when it really mattered. And that’s taking nothing away from kenny Norton, who was a phenomenal fighter, in his own right. With a Herculean physique.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

I will never forget, how disrespectful Howard Cosell was to Norton, when Norton was his sidekick during a boxing match...he put Norton down a few times, mentioning cheekily how Foreman destroyed him in the ring!..Norton was an excellent fighter, who would have been champion in most any other time frame.

[@aarondigby5054]

Ali had a better HW title fighting pedigree than Morton and when Kenny made a mistake Ali capitalized and exemplified it, when Ali got in trouble he was good at faking and covering it up and switching styles; a master tactician and strategist.

[@jessejordache1869]

Norton and Foreman both had similar punches: they needed to wind up and throw long range to get the most force out of them. During Ali-Foreman, Frazier at ringside said "Foreman's not fighting smart. He needs to shorten up his punches." Appreciate the perspective from another world champion, but what Frazier said, probably without meaning to, was, "Foreman needs MY punching style". Because a short punch from Foreman would lose about 80% of the power. Anyway -- the point is: what if Foreman had Norton's hand speed and reflexes? That's a scary thought.

[@WaiSoeThein]

3:25 Ali's eye of the tiger. Ali's regaining the title is truly a cinematic masterpiece. He had to go through the greatest warriors like Joe Frazier and Kenny Norton to get to the final boss George Foreman.

[@MrMarco855]

And amateurs like Leon Spinks.

[@BottleBri]

Ali was incredible, and I think my personal best fight of Ali’s was against the monster that no one could beat- George Foreman. The way Ali boxed and also FOUGHT like hell that night was incredible for Ali at age 32 in an era where he had already fought virtually all of the best guys in the game? And beat most except Frazier and Norton- both avenged before he beat Foreman. People were telling George ‘don’t kill him George’ ! But Ali was the supreme thinker- the toughest hombre ever at heavyweight. He was the supreme king. The Greatest of ALL times! 💥🥊

[@BottleBri]

@@MrMarco855you don’t know much do you? Ali fought spinks in 1978 aged 36, and lost then won the rematch. Four YEARS after the fights he worked up towards Foreman. By the way Ali had 12 fights in two years leading up to foreman. Fighting and beating some of the best of the era. Check out 1972- 1974 in Ali’s record on boxrec. 12 fights in two years. Frazier and Norton included. Floyd Patterson, bugner, and others. Heavyweights like Fury today- he’s not even fighting AT ALL in 2023. And he’s only fought Whyte and Chisora in the past two years! Plus he’s ducked usyk for Ngannou instead. Disgrace. They don’t know they’re born today compared to Ali’s day in the 60’s & 70’s.

[@WaiSoeThein]

@@BottleBri Larry Holmes, then Ali sparring partner, claimed Ali was repeatedly saying to himself 'I'm the best. I will kill him' before he fought Foreman as if he was hypnotizing himself with auto-suggestion. His will, determination, confidence, mind games, ring intelligence, adaptability, any attributes you name it, he had it, to win the fight. Foreman was my all time favourite fighter. But, styles make fights and Ali was levels above him, certainly the better man that night.

[@BottleBri]

@@WaiSoeThein Ali was incredible that night. He actually doesn’t get the credit he deserves for it. It’s as if people think it was just George got tired etc and that made it easy! No! It was an incredible achievement. His gameplan, to move, slip, make George miss but be prepared to TAKE shots all night to the body from this monster puncher, then at times suddenly EXPLODE into action, stinging George with fast hard shots and combinations, just to show him ‘ha! I’m still here george’ then go defensive and take the punishment again, before stinging George yet again- just incredible mental gamesmanship, breaking George’s temper, whilst suddenly punishing him with blindingly fast combinations was incredible. Then the final combination in round 8 was unbelievably skilful. You can only see how skilful it was in slow motion. The way he perfectly placed those shots. He was like a bullfighter with a bull falling in front of him as foreman went down. It looks like a quick count because the commentator counted wrong but foreman didn’t beat the count. The Greatest had shocked the world again at 32 after so many hard fights in his career already, yet he did it. The master. People talk about Tyson Fury? Don’t make me laugh.

[@WZ912]

WOW! This makes what ForeMan did to Norton and then what Ali did to Foreman even more Unbelievable.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

smart fighters usually gave Ali the hardest time...Foreman, at that time, was not a smart fighter...but he did learn a lot as time went by!

[@DavidJsmith-dk5tf]

Well, different styles make different fights. The Ali / Norton and Norton / Foreman fights, are good examples.

[@georgethompsonjr6082]

Styles make fights

[@nyronfranklin5789]

​@@curbozerboomer1773Smart or relentless.

[@pokeinator7834]

I mean foreman was relentless and hit like a fucking train,he could take Norton’s punches and pay them back ten fold And bludgeon through Norton’s cross guard,while Ali could dance under and out of foreman’s grip and was a smarter boxer than norton giving him the advantage against foreman

[@lanatana3867]

Just the fact Ali got so close to winning or putting a really good fight depending which way you look at it with a shattered broken jaw tells the whole story how great Ali really was. Undisputed king of the ring.

[@carlito_148]

Facts . So true

[@spendor9377]

The only heavyweight who would still win fights despite being physically outmatched.

[@jaunnada3648]

Get a clue. Ali was a fraud. His start was two fixed title fights and ended with two fixed title fights before his first retirement. The FBI Ali spinks fights investigationsare still sealed, most likely because Bob Arum isn't dead.

[@okidoki2479]

True however we have to point out that Cooper was still wining the fight even before Ali had his jaw broken on the 7th round .

[@spendor9377]

@@okidoki2479 What are you talking about? Cooper never broke his jaw, Norton did.

[@johnsebastianalday5698]

This was well worth the wait. Thank you David for another stellar video 🔥 Like Juan Manuel Marquez was to Manny Pacquiao, Ken Norton was the stylistic foil to Muhammad Ali. To me, this was Ali at his best physical shape post-exile, whipping his body into what it was in the 1960s. I also feel however that this was the bout that Ali finally accepted that he was incapable of being the young man that would "Float like a Butterfly, Sting like a Bee" of the pre-exile days. To see and hear Ali disappointed at the split decision result (again, mostly due to his difficulties against Norton) has me convinced that this was the true beginning of when Ali made his transition to fighting more flat-footed and conserving energy through lessening needless, excessive movement, enhancing his grappling techniques, and bulking up in strength and power in order to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Joe Frazier (again) and (eventually) George Foreman. I Enjoy your tactical analysis mixed with compelling storytelling and your channel has inspired me to create my own website for boxing. I have an article that I wrote on my boxing blog that is a full breakdown, analysis, and utilized my prediction to create a hypothetical story about the ultimate dream match between Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson. I had put your videos on the breakdown of both fighters' styles as references for they helped immensely to adding context and to my research. Here is a link of the article when you find the time to have a look. Again, thanks for being a great influence www.weigh-inboxing.com/post/muhammad-ali-vs-mike-tyson-a-full-breakdown-hypothetical-tale-to-boxing-s-ultimate-dream-match

[@tejumolapauloguntimehin1253]

0

[@snakyYT]

shit imma read this. i think ken norton was ali's hardest challenger

[@markmmcaulay]

Thank you David. As a die-hard fan of Ollie that's three fight series was nearly torture for me. I was a stun as everybody else in the first fight, I thought he won the second fight but he took a bigger beating than I thought it was possible for him. The license plate on my car was a vanity plate and it said MHD-ALI. I met him, I shook his hand, and I got an autograph. He was my hero for standing up and not going to Vietnam when I probably would have gone. I want to see him fight Norton on the big screen in Worcester Massachusetts, but my parents were very concerned that if Ali lost I might have issues. So I paid for an adult next door to go into Worcester with me and watch Ali beat Norton. I probably have close to 40 years on you David, but a lot of your analysis makes me feel like you are sitting right there next to me. And I'm forever grateful, thank you.

[@bellavia5]

Do you think that Ali deserved the win vs Norton in the rematch?

[@markmmcaulay]

@@bellavia5 I don't know John, I thought he won the second fight but it was an absolute war. I would love to have seen the punch stats from that fight. The third fight Norton was arrogant and in my opinion did not do enough to beat the champion. How's that for a non answer?

[@markmmcaulay]

He being Ali, beat Norton in the second fight.

[@bellavia5]

@@markmmcaulay Does'nt tell us much.

[@markmmcaulay]

Ken Norton did NOT defeat or TAKE the title from Muhammad Ali in Yankee stadium that night.

[@dmoore0079]

The intelligence and adaptability of those two was off the charts. Their fights together were like brutal chess matches.

[@jessejordache1869]

Ali said that Norton was the one boxer he could never figure out. Ring generals par excellence.

[@Oscar_SanJuan]

From 22:04-23:12, I absolutely LOVE how you describe the approaches a fighter can take in combat sports: rigid in your game plan/style vs. being well-rounded/adaptable to the situation. Both have their pros and cons, but a fighter who can adapt to a fight even when their strengths have been nullified are truly great generational fighters, which Ali definitely was. The way it was said was so poetic and effective. Love it. Watching this fight as you describe it was incredible. The exchanges were insane, whether that would be Norton successfully crowding Ali, seeing the two perform evasive movements with counters right after, or watching Ali finally overcoming Norton in the final moments of the fight with punishing rapid-fire combinations. If I had watched this fight live, I would be erupting with joyous fervor. Watching two greats battle one another for Heavyweight supremacy at the apex of their careers, there's absolutely nothing like it.

[@yayo_mfalme]

I am with you 💯🤝

[@POSHMODS]

Sooooo fckin trueeee bro I agree with you 💯

[@TheDYNAMITE001]

I can see now that no one would've gone through such an era and truly been the greatest without some kind of brain damage as a souvenir. The opponents were vicious and hardly hugged during fights!!

[@mostafamito82]

Mohamed Ali is my favorite but I have never seen anyone answer Ali better than Norton it's like his entire strategy and style was created just to counter Ali from start to finish. Props for this battle of the greats!

[@kennethbrooks3154]

Mohamed CLAY was one of the most brazen cheatets in boxing history !!! Holding around the neck was one of his worth schemes !!!!

[@klaudioabazi4478]

Thank you for this brother. This was one of your finest breakdowns. Ali vs Norton 2 is one of my favorite fights of all time. One of those rare fights that demands meticulous study, and you did it to perfection. Happy Training Bro.

[@bellavia5]

Do you think that Ali deserved the win?

[@klaudioabazi4478]

@@bellavia5 In this 2nd fight yes, i believe so. I think Ali showed tremendous stamina, and outpointed Norton. Remember Ali was a smart fighter, he knew how to get in the judges favor. So he deserved to win this one in my opinion. The third one, no. Even Ali himself admitted that Norton deserved the 3rd. But hey they had one iconic rivalry.

[@bellavia5]

@@klaudioabazi4478 OK thank you

[@johnmike533]

If Ali's draft into the armed forces had not shadowed his career, there was no way, Frazier, Foreman, Norton, Holmes, Berbeck, Shaves, Spinks and others would have been able to stand the ring ever. Muhammad Ali was robbed of his best years deliberately and he also stood up for Civil Rights!, what a player

[@emo3113]

Man. Fantastic video. You ability to break these down for the casual fight to understand is second to none. It’s truly appreciated.

[@stevenwolf8434]

I noticed that Ali just wasn't as fast as he was before his tittle was stripped by the Government. That 3.5 year forced layoff slowed him down. He still was fast just not as fast. His punches also lost a lot of their "snap". Norton fighting Ali in 1967 would not have been knocked out.

[@curtisjlloyd7601]

Have we ever questioned whether Ali was slowly poisoned in prison through his meals or medication, if any? It's a question that I has always been on my mind

[@nxs0152]

@@curtisjlloyd7601 prison? Ali never went to prison

[@bellavia5]

Of course. Being in prison is going to decondition a man. Plus the emotional toll it creates.

[@davidtchack7694]

@@curtisjlloyd7601 other than that Muhammad Ali didn't go to prison, maybe.

[@stillirise7813]

@@curtisjlloyd7601 prison? Ali???

[@patrickedwards4790]

This is probably my favorite of Ali's post-ban fights. It's really the only where he actually danced like he did in his younger years.

[@calburner4635]

Thank you, once again, for a superb breakdown. Ali's trilogy with Norton was at least as epic as his more celebrated feud with Frazier. This fight was the make or break point in Ali's career.

[@5trezip23]

Nobody ever had more epic rivalries than Ali.

[@calburner4635]

@@5trezip23 That is why I personally rate him Top 2 with SRR. His ability to adjust, adapt and overcome is hard to match, especially at HW. How different are Foreman, Norton and Frazier? Add that he was post physical prime in all of these fights. No one else, besides Money and SOG had their career defining fights after their physical declines had began, and HW is different. Technique goes out the window when a 250 pound man catches you clean

[@5trezip23]

@@calburner4635 plus the beast that was Sonny Liston when they first fought. Beat the scariest dude out there mentally. That's what was really crazy.

[@coreyham3753]

Just a great fight. Little clutching and clenching, like in so many other fights at HW. Just pure boxing and fighting.

[@supervenomas9211]

I can't properly describe how your narrative and perception of those matches have influenced me. I consider your videos as a time travel to those fights and eras. I sincerely thank you for that. I hope that you are planning, among others, more videos on Mohammed Ali's fights!

[@easypeezie4494]

This video was amazing! I’ve seen this fight a dozen times, but the narration had me on the edge of my seat! Fantastic 👏🏼👏🏼

[@eddicarlo5362]

Best boxing channel on KZbin. Well done David 👏🏼. Hope you do the third fight as well. Hagler vs Duran would be epic too.

[@sebastianblackfyre]

Yeah, one of the greatest boxing channels out there. David is awesome. Like the three breakdowns of Ali vs Fraizer. It wouldn’t be complete without a third. But Hagler vs Duran is definitely one of the great ones. The only one that wasn’t stopped in Hagler’s 7 year as champion.

[@andrewgutterud8322]

I'd love to see a breakdown of Holmes v Norton. I absolutely love watching the fight and think it's one of the greatest ever even though I never hear anyone really talk about it or give it the love it deserves

[@serenityinside1]

It gets talked about a lot !!

[@andrewgutterud8322]

@@serenityinside1 I guess I just never hear anyone talking about it then lmao

[@wdwilson]

This is one of the best, most insightful vids ever done on an Ali series

[@spartan6992]

Brilliant coaching! Epic boxing from both fighters. Love the channel mate. Great breakdown of the fight.🤜🤛👊🤜

[@bkdub6449]

Ken Norton was no joke in the ring,that man had a lot of power, behind his punches a true warrior.

[@truekingvictory]

No doubt David's analysis is spot on as always, but I think Norton's REACH also helped. With his mile-long arms, it looked like he was outreaching Ali in the jab wars at the beginning and snapping Ali's head back where Ali's jab was barely reaching Norton.

[@johmhill7312]

Just goes to show how much Ali had lost from his "The Greatest" years of '64-'67. Liston, Terrel, Williams all had a reach advantage over Ali, yet Ali played with them.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

@@johmhill7312 You made the very point I was going to make!...Ali, even whipping himself into great shape at 212lbs, was "only" 90% of what he had been...just barely enough to beat the excellent Ken Norton. The pre-suspension Ali would have been toying with Norton too!

[@MrMarco855]

@@johmhill7312 Ali never beat Liston in a real fight. Liston would have spanked him like a baby.

[@the5minsum442]

@@MrMarco855Ali literally beat Liston in the first fight💀 keep crying

[@Benny.cm_2.0]

Beautiful articulated breakdown and the story telling made it so insanely vivid, one of my favorite breakdowns from this channel

[@Horus1JP]

Thanks a ton david christian! I really feel the superb performances by these legends because of your detailed and precisely timed breakup of their actions.. I have watched some of these fights without your narrative and it's nothing compared to watching it through your eyes i would say.. thanks to you for explaining the audience of how really great Ali was in the times of the legends 😊🙏

[@dealingthereal6922]

Great breakdown and analysis, per usual. I always wondered what were the particulars about Norton that gave Ali fits. This was very insightful.

[@MattanzaMafiaFedora]

This is amazing! Been waiting for this one with much anticipation. :) Also, David, still hoping for a breakdown of Joe Calzaghe, the Pride of Wales. :)

[@jason41a]

this commentary channel is the only one boxing channel that sends chills through my spine. true quality and passion.

[@sizwe.amabaso732]

the way you narrate these videos 🙌👏 you make me feel like I was there in the crowd🤌 watching 2 great warriors giving the world all they had

[@chadmunson6538]

I show people your videos when people ask me why I'm so into boxing and other combat sports. It dispels the notion that it's merely barbaric bloodlust.

[@pascalscherr5206]

That can be fun too

[@connorperrett9559]

When people who don't understand say it's just barbaric bloodlust I just give them a gigaChad face and say Yes.

[@bellavia5]

For me it's a metaphor for finding the will to carry on in tough circumstances. Foreman symbolizes all the forces (within and from without) that loom over me , that threaten to take me down , that make it appear I have no chance of carrying on. Ali's reply to Foreman was 'I don't care how big and bad you are -I'm gonna fight you . Ali outsmarted the dimwitted Foreman by laying on the ropes and resting. This is what you have to do in life sometimes . Life will just come at you and you cab't just give it back 100 % of the time.

[@josemucarselsacoto5122]

What a masterpiece from a master! Thank you for your work! 🤜🤛⚔️

[@Interphased]

Another excellent video from The Modern Martial Artist. The time and dedication you put in always blows me away. And your music selection is always damn near perfect. The 28 Days Later theme remix at 19:50 is brilliant! Hope to hear it in future videos as well.

[@michaelnash4002]

I got to tell you brother, there is nobody better at breaking down classic fights. I love your content. Thanks so much!

[@JamesASharp]

They don't make 'em like Ali anymore. Any boxer today would've avoided Norton, or any boxer like him like the plague. But, Ali ran 🏃‍♂️ to fight Norton again immediately. This is why I love Ali. He's a true alpha male.

[@JamesASharp]

Also, mad props to Norton for giving Ali a tough fight.

[@KaitouKaiju]

A lot of these modern boxers dgaf about proving themselves they just want the money

[@JamesASharp]

@@KaitouKaiju Facts!

[@bonganinsibande7604]

Norton had 1 loss on his record to Jose Luis Garcia before fighting Ali the first time Ali should've fought Garcia before rematching Norton somewhere in June then fight Norton in September after getting renewed confidence by knocking out Norton's only conquerer

[@listerine414]

Ali lost this fight and the 3rd. Ali was an overrated bum. Hit and hold bum

[@dklang]

As great as Ali was, he had some weaknesses. Kept his hands low, and fought wide open to punches. Usually he was quick enough to avoid getting hit much, but Norton and Futch figured him out and he got a beating in this fight. Norton was one of the greats of this era. In the 2nd fight Ali was better prepared.

[@husseinmoussa2947]

I mean every technique has it‘s weaknesses none are perfect. Boxing styles just make such a big difference one style will dominant a competeter but will be bad against another one

[@burninghenry]

I love your style because I get to listen to it in audio format over my 12 hour shift lol keep up the good work man Im loving these Ali stories especially.

[@sebastianblackfyre]

Great Video David. Great craft. Your breakdowns are always my favorite. Watching your breakdowns gives me the motivation of the fighters of the fights to get through hardship.

[@superbide]

Love seeing all the love for Ken Norton in the comments. He was an excellent heavyweight who fought and succeeded in what was perhaps the most stacked heavyweight division in history. Give these warriors their flowers! 💐

[@DavidJsmith-dk5tf]

Agreed, but thinking back, I remember Norton wasn't highly regarded back then. Norton career really began with his first defeat of Ali, culminating with his world championship win against Jimmy Young. Great days !

[@babrightlight338]

Excellent analysis. One of the most understated talents of Ali was his ability to take a punch. In the first Ali-Norton fight Ali fought at least 5 and possibly 8 rounds with a broken jaw. He took a hard shot in the 11th round directly on the broken jaw and one can see his face wince in pain, yet he still did not go down.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

Ali could nearly rise from the dead!...He showed super-human strength, when he was knocked down by Henry Cooper, and got up at the count of 6...and even more so, when he somehow got up after taking that brutal Frazier hook!...Ali was special in many ways!

[@jasongeorge745]

Once again a great fight breakdown, thank you.

[@risingbull84]

Wow, I really love your Muhammad Ali videos!

[@franksmith1287]

I met ALi and spent about an hour talking to him. He was an amazing man for whom I only have respect.

[@kawonewilliams1949]

I can see why your videos take a little time to come out. The script writing ✍️ is incredible. The metaphors and whatnot are fantastic. You've written a hell of a story.

[@doubleh3978]

FINALLY!! Another fight breakdown, I'm always on board for one of yours.

[@winnersofchampions]

David that was nothing short of amazing. Your commenting and knowledge of boxing always has me at the edge of my seat! What a fight that was!

[@Readel2.0]

Gotta love the channel for all the countless breakdowns to study from especially if you box in amaturs🥊

[@felicecancellara4524]

I was once criticized for placing Ken Norton in the Top 5 heavyweights of all time, this video explains why ... Ali extraordinary as always

[@troyledbetter6597]

I enjoy your videos so much!The commentary along with the video are excellent. This brings back great memories rewatching these fights. Thank you.

[@dominokaitis4483]

These kinds of videos are my favourite ones! I've been waiting for this one for a while.

[@makoshark7122]

I personally had norton winning that fight on my scorecard when i saw it myself, but its still interesting to see your breakdown on it!

[@omarcarmona3862]

Hey modern martial artist I love ur vids could u do a video on Earnie shavers and how he faught.

[@rishikeshovhal2810]

Hey man!!! Thank you so much. I requested this video on last Ali Norton fight. It said Ali's toughest fight I guess... Thank you once again. Glad you see our message. Bless you!!

[@Aerojet01]

Thanks for the upload. Your commendatory was very informative on the skill, technique and strategy. I enjoyed every second.

[@gutz1981]

This was I think the only time post lay off where Ali was at a fighting weight similar to when he was in his early 20s. He was around 210-211 in this fight and it really shows compared to the previous one. He never looked this good again. Nor did he ever dance as much.

[@jessejordache1869]

This is really his last dancing fight: I've noticed it too.

[@DailybreadwithBreeMinistries]

you just preach to my soul when you said in boxing as it in you when you get hit you hit harder. I need to hear that today. Thanks for posting these videos of the old fight. My Father was professional Boxing for most of my childhood so it made me fall in love with the sport and inspire to fight "the Good fight of faith". Your commentary inspires me to fight another day! Thanks

[@buschovski1]

Just wanted to say thanks for your work and providing us with these vids. Great exciting stuff.

[@Ihuicatl]

Your analysis videos are the best on the platform. Fantastic video man

[@tchaliz4925]

This breakdown was absolutely brilliant, sharp and so eye opening, tks so much

[@faucet5137]

Faucet is always ecstatic to see a modern martial artist upload

[@gzuspeterson4748]

This is the best video you've ever made. Ali is the greatest ever and Norton one of the most underated. Ali possessed the skills to be the greatest but his will and heart really set him apart from everyone and its really all encapsulated in this video.

[@CleverSmart123]

Great breakdown as usual, very entertaining. Thanks

[@deinVatersagt]

you gotta respect the great Eddie Fudge thanks to him we saw this magnificant power punching Giants like Norton, Joe Frazier, Michael Spinks and Larry Holmes and many more champions all over the divisions

[@ra-ge]

What a fight!!! A boxing 🥊 masterclass for the ages and again Ali's ability to adapt to anything was the game changer.

[@peelslowly28]

This is a vintage fight breakdown right here David. Reminded of the good ol days.

[@edgarbraithwaite7734]

Great video, one more time you did it again!!! 👏

[@rfjohns1]

I read somewhere that as early as 1970-71, some testing Ali had undergone at the time had shown signs of brain damage. This could be the reason Ali had lost speed and reflexes after he returned to boxing. There is some evidence that exposure to pesticides during his childhood may have caused his parkinsons. His brother also had parkinsons.

[@kerrymandanny8135]

I never knew that I always assumed the wars with fraizer the shots from forman and fighting another 5 years after the 3rd fraizer fight against top 10 contenders did it alone but it would make sense especially pesticide in those days would probably be far more toxic to humans than today. May I ask where you got that info and how he was exposed to them??

[@sherrillraymond7595]

I don't believe that cause before 70 he barely ever got hit

[@SSR175]

This fight was in fact a lot closer than their third fight. Norton took Ali and Larry Holmes to their absolute limit each time. What an era of boxing! And what great fighters!

[@tonyc7301]

Not sure on that one. Ali won and deserved the close decision here. Norton was flat out robbed in the third fight. Norton easily won that fight, and not 8-7 either. At least 9-6 or 10-5.

[@SCAPEGOAT316]

Great content mate, love your work!

[@palmerlp]

Awesome breakdown! Just fantastic and more than worth the wait.

[@C-rations2394]

Too bad we'll never know how Ali would have fared against Norton (or Frazier) without the 2 year layoff. I still believe Prime Ali was the best heavyweight the boxing world had ever known. Great breakdown, as always. Thank you, TMMA!

[@jacobbyerson5075]

He was out for over 3 years not 2 years

[@jaybreacher4430]

He would've dominated them. Pre while Ali was unstoppable.

[@denissssss8579]

Would I really make that much of a difference?

[@C-rations2394]

@@denissssss8579 I think it would have. Ali before the suspension had much better cardio, he could dance around the ring the whole 15 rounds and he was so much faster than the 1970's Ali. Maybe he would've become slower after 3 years, but not as much as he did after the layoff. But that's just my opinion. As I said, it's a shame we'll never really know.

[@denissssss8579]

@@C-rations2394 ok makes sense

[@JediKnight1007]

When I was younger I had absolutely no objectivity when it came to Muhammad Ali. As far as I was concerned he could do no wrong. Now that I'm older and can view his actions differently I have to be honest and say his fights with Norton were all razor thin and as you aptly pointed out this fight was no exception (the only fight I think he truly won). Your breakdown captured not just the technique & strategy but also the raw emotions conveyed by facial expressions, as well as things said. And in the case of Ali in particular, things that were not said. Also, I loved how you chose to mention that Eddie Futch was Norton's trainer. Not only did Mr. Futch train Norton and Frazier he also as a young fighter sparred the great Joe Louis. And he was convinced Louis would've beaten Ali and trained Frazier and Norton with the strategy he thought Louis would've implemented had they fought. I haven't seen all your vids so I would not be surprised if you actually mentioned all of this in another one of your masterpieces. Hope you keep pumping these vids out for years to come. I can tell from reading much of the comments here that I am one of the many who appreciates your sublime work.

[@jessejordache1869]

Besides saying "Ali was bigger than boxing", George Foreman regards Joe Louis as the pure boxing GOAT. Certainly a defensible position.

[@JediKnight1007]

@@jessejordache1869 Agreed. Joe Louis's combinations look flawless when you watch his old fights.

[@vincentgallagher7562]

Ali had three iterations. The first which ended in exile - he was the greatest ever. After his exle he was a different fighter. Second phase, post-exile, his footwork was half a step slow and his hand speed not as lightning fast nor his was reflexive ability to slip punches as keen and he could no longer dance all night long, that said he was a sperb boxer and tactician. Third phase was for money and he was a skilled boxer minus fleet of foot and relied more on technique, savvy and experience - which ended as his skills were deteriorated due to cognitive decline.

[@AI-me8sl]

Every one of your videos is a masterpiece. Thank you for what you’re doing to show what an amazing sport boxing can be.

[@flaziblaz]

definitely one of fave content creators. keep up the great work. another gem

[@User2jn]

Most journey men have a basic format of style with a bit of their own spice added into it. But, Ken Norton was obtuse. Ali, struggled to crack the recipe to Ken Norton's secret sauce.

[@Beautiful-Sickening-Rolex]

I dunno about "revenge" - it was a split decision that could have gone to Norton...I have all 3 fights for Norton

[@Hiltie1]

👍 agreed.

[@richarda3514]

I agree second maybe a draw but 1 & 3 to norton

[@hudaarifathul6950]

Norton was also say that Ali was won 2 and 3

[@geadmulheran9579]

Great commentary helped me understand better the moves and strategies of both boxers and increased my already great admiration for these guys and the sport.

[@r.s.marcus3043]

TMMA, you're masterful analysis and storytelling are without peer. Sports journalism like this makes me nostalgic to tears. Great job.

[@mickmorrison]

Then Norton was robbed in the third fight, Norton was heartbroken at the decision as he along with everyone there believed he had won. Everyone in Ali’s corner including himself were sure he had lost but corrupt judges gave it to Ali.

[@JohnSmith-ct5jd]

I am a staunch Ali fan. So it pains me to have to say that I agree with you. That fight was close, but Norton dominated.

[@tonyc7301]

Norton easily won the third fight, and not 8-7 either. At least 9-6 or 10-5. No idea how Ali got that decision.

[@buschovski1]

Would it have been possible for Ali and his team to have denied the title? Disagreed and said no Norton won? Im not sure if thats ever been done or if it can be done?

[@omarcarmona3862]

Hey modern martial artist could u make a breakdown on Tyson vs Evander Holyfield 1

[@herbertcampbell1008]

I'll provide a quick recap for you. Holyfield exposed Tyson as a coward

[@handzofstone1152]

@@herbertcampbell1008 Great take. That's exactly why you're not the one who people come to for fight breakdowns. Lmao

[@herbertcampbell1008]

@@handzofstone1152 Tyson has given me some of the most exhilarating moments in my lifetime of watch boxing. Not highlights but boxing matches that took place in my lifetime. I can say that Tyson lacked character, courage and heart. At the end of the 10th. Tyson for a split second looked like he was literally about to run away.

[@JohnSuave]

Man that was awesome.... so happy I found this channel 😎

[@OldSchoolBoxing1]

Great video David, well worth the wait 😁👊🏻👏🏻

[@deenell9039]

Ali was truly the greatest because he really learned how to win a boxing match. Not just tactics and styles and adjusting but, he knew how not to show pain to win rounds. How to tire his opponents. How to finish fights strong to get the last few rounds. The battles he had taught him how to beat Foreman. Experience. Looking back at the Rumble in the Jungle, Ali handled Foreman easily. After Norton, nobody else could beat Ali.

[@MrMarco855]

Spinks beat him easily.

[@nyronfranklin5789]

​@@MrMarco855That was several years later when Ali was pretty much a shot fighter and suffering from the early stages of Parkinson's. And Ali won the rematch btw.

[@MrMarco855]

@@nyronfranklin5789 I responded to what he said, which wasn't true. You're trying to defend but he was wrong, excuses don't count.

[@joshuaremo922]

Tough and close fight but Ali deserved this victory. He outlasted Norton and went in a fierce dogfight with him and managed the win especially on the final rounds.

[@jtdennis1919]

That was an amazing breakdown of the fight! Thank you! :-)