Muhammad Ali and Ken Norton Weigh-in Before Their Fight at the Forum | Carson Tonight Show

[@DJBIGCG]

Much respect to those two boxing legends.

[@donjackson4563]

Yes sir and legendary

[@spy1965]

Boy, Norton was cut!

[@oldironsides4107]

A lot of people look at Ali as an adult baby or a horses ass. He used to not be nearly as dopey. He was once a great fighter and not always a complete mess and embarrassment

[@Richard-yt9vi]

@@spy1965 that's why he was called the black Hercules

[@seanmetro3496]

As well as the late King of Late night

[@alvargas5095]

I met Ken Norton in San Diego. He was a very nice gentleman. I always liked him. I shook his hand. God bless him.

[@DJK-cq2uy]

I met him in Bern, Switzerland with the Abominable Snowman

[@joebiggs4387]

@@DJK-cq2uy O…K…

[@joebiggs4387]

@@DJK-cq2uy he lived in San Diego.

[@joebiggs4387]

I would consider that quite an honor.

[@ighfee]

most boxers are cool in person, always happy to sign autographs and take pics for the fans. i met kostya tszyu at the sydney olympics, met shannon briggs in nyc after his fight at the jacob javitz centre, also met burt young who played paulie from rocky. all of those guys were really cool. the only boxer i met that i kind of played wide was mitch green. that guy is fuckin crazy man, it was outside the taj mahal at atlantic city, i think ray mercer was fighting one of the klitchkos, it was 2002 anyway.

[@hermanmuenster8529]

Johnny Carson, the blueprint of late-night talk shows. I miss those days.

[@paulgentile1024]

all three champs in their profession

[@cordellsenior9935]

The GOAT.

[@edoardozampetti4601]

w bush bro..

[@thomasjust2663]

He was a cold hearted asshole

[@Kaddywompous]

A blueprint which is increasingly past its expiration date.

[@hav2win]

That was hysterical. Ali took boxing to a level of entertainment never witnessed before. His dry sense of humor and sarcasm was amazing. What a great man.

[@KlaxxJaxx1984]

You can tell that the parkinson's is starting kick in by the way he's talking

[@aleksej3975]

@@KlaxxJaxx1984 yeah it's so weird bcs this was in 73 , maybe he was poisoned bcs i don't see how he would get it before Manila

[@Gameboy-Unboxings]

​@@aleksej3975 parkinson's from being poisoned?

[@glenturney4750]

He's right about the U.F.O's and how lots of people are afraid to talk about them. I believe the reason is because they're not what most people believe they are, they're demonic and when you're in the presence of pure evil/darkness, your soul will freeze up, try to ignore it and fear of mentioning them, because some believe that talking about them draws them nearer, sort of like the term, 'speak of the devil and he appears.'

[@glenturney4750]

​@@Gameboy-Unboxings: Parkinson's from other boxers beating his head around and tearing the brain tissue loose from inside of his skull.

[@artmeddaugh6669]

This was nice to see. I was friends with Kenny starting in the early 2000's. We lived close to each other, and he would frequent my place of business. He was a funny, soft-spoken gentlemen, and was still put together like a Brick $hit House. Dudes' hands and fist were HUGE! Ken let me drive his white Rolls Royce every now and again, very slowly and thru the neighborhood. Great guy and a class act. The last time I saw him was the year before he passed. He had moved out to Vegas. I went to Vegas with my girlfriend, and we were walking down the strip. We went inside a sports memorabilia store and look who was sitting at the table signing stuff...The Champ! I told the Champ don't get up because I was gonna knock him out if he did. He told me he would squash me like a bug! We talked for some time catching up a bit. He gave me an autographed photo of him on the night he broke Ali's jaw. R.I.P. to Champ, to both Champs. They are always missed and never forgotten. Love you Ken.

[@DJK-cq2uy]

😂 🤣 😄 I was friends with the Joker, Batman and Mickey Mouse. He told me there are bigger fish caught every day

[@artmeddaugh6669]

@@DJK-cq2uy You think it's a joke? It's no joke...

[@richardhowe5583]

@@artmeddaugh6669 I believe every word you said sir and thank you for sharing because I really enjoyed reading what you said.. 👍 thanks 👍.

[@artmeddaugh6669]

@@richardhowe5583 Appreciate that. Kenny was just a really cool dude. He would give anybody who walked up to him time to chat with him. He had a really good sense of humor, maybe he learned a little bit from being on Carson.😆💯

[@stringtheoryguitars4952]

Thanks Art for sharing your memories of the great Ken Norton. Even in these TV appearances he seemed like a humble, hard working, and good-natured man. It's one thing to drive a Rolls Royce, it's another thing entirely when you drive THE CHAMP'S Rolls Royce!

[@wungabunga]

Kenny was such a smart fellow and displayed great composure in this interview. Impressive.

[@LOJ777]

He was school teacher once

[@jonmolina948]

I can’t believe he ate twice a day when training. Sounds like he overtrained, I wonder he got short circuited by every big puncher he fought. He had good conditioning to fight guys who weren’t great punchers like Ali.

[@alan30189]

Norton was a class act.

[@joebiggs4387]

He broke Ali’s jaw. Not a bad puncher either. I think he was a bit of both. That split decision was robbery!

[@alan30189]

@@joebiggs4387 Yes, Norton was a devastating puncher. Between him and Frazier, I think both were a contributing factor in Ali’s later dementia. Ali also fought way too long.

[@OTOWNGOLF]

When TV was worth watching.

[@keithknox5829]

Yes, when TV was worth wstching. If not for Netflix and cable, in my humble opinion, it's not worth much now.

[@threeballedtomcat9380]

Amen to that.

[@lenzotrumpet]

Oh yes so true ...TV only had about 7 channels then, the show's were interesting and fun to watch .Now we have cable with hundreds of channels and NOTHING worth while on...so sad where did all the talent go ?

[@lmn4565]

How did the boomers change that?

[@threeballedtomcat9380]

Pay to play Cable TV changed it. 200 channels.

[@motorheadforlife9431]

I remember that my late Dad used to watch Johnny's show every night when he had the chance when we were back in the States during the '70s and I also watched it with him if I was still awake. This episode with Ali and Norton was a fun watch. Rest in peace Johnny, Muhammad, Ken and Ed. Thank you for the childhood memories, gentlemen.

[@mwilliamshs]

Weird to wish peaceful rest to everyone *except* your "late dad."

[@fubarlife7776]

Nite nite dad, see you in the afterlife!

[@motorheadforlife9431]

I tell that to Dad everyday, guys. He knows that for sure.

[@mwilliamshs]

@@motorheadforlife9431 everyday means common. Every day means 7 times a week.

[@motorheadforlife9431]

@@mwilliamshs- True. I'm obliged to say how many times a day too, eh?

[@mr.owatson9150]

It's amazing and surprising how Ali recognized Rubin Hurricane Carter, who decades later was found innocent. A movie was made depicting Carter's case. Norton and Ali were fantastic in this Carson interview. Thanks, Johnny, for the memories! All three R.I.P.

[@johnhd67]

That's exactly what I thought when he shouted out the Hurricane. Truly a man of the people if there ever was one.

[@jmadratz]

He was granted a new trial 2 times (3 total), and convicted convicted 2 times the DA finally gave up and didn’t retry a third time after the judge granted another retrial due to misconduct by the prosecution. The movie was sympathetic to his plight. There are numerous articles/books written about his case which lay out the facts and conclusion he was most likely guilty. So he may have been released by a judge and the DA decided not to retry due to previous departmental misconduct, but he was never found innocent. And the evidence clearly points to guilty, look at the evidence not the Hollywood movie.

[@briandoherty245]

@@jmadratz heard that, whats the book?

[@TonyPennese]

Agree About Carter !

[@jamesdykes2968]

@@jmadratz The evidence points to guilt. I have been following boxing for 40 years and was very familiar with it.

[@roberthockett270]

Those who've only seen Kenny after his dreadful car wreck might not realize just how smart and thoughtful he was. Great man, great fighter.

[@kadobrown9158]

Man you won't ever see stuff like this on tv ever again.. Two upclass gentleman days before a war and hanging out like best friends...No hype... No trash talk... Nothing but respect! ❣

[@stevecvino]

Class, charisma all gone. Look for a photo of Norton chasing Ali in the boxing trunks with socks and dress shoes on at Yankee stadium before there last fight. Hysterical!

[@chancegoode173]

Ali was humble and respectful of Ken but still his usual funny self. Great interview!

[@carltonbanks5470]

Of course he was. Ken Norton was a very respectable and upstanding black man and Ali was never going to act silly with him in front of a white audience. Hence the joke he made when he was weighing in.

[@newzild1]

@@carltonbanks5470 And yet he disparaged Joe Frazier, another respectable and upstanding black man.

[@DTechnologyservices]

Man, Ali and ken made this so entertaining. What happened to such professional and organized viewing. This was just so remarkable everything involved. The TV shows are not like this anymore.

[@OneCrazyRay]

My dad sat and broke bread with Muhammad Ali in the late 80's at his home in the Berrien Springs, Mi area. Muhammad and his wife were two of the kindest hosts to my dad and he appreciated the experience of meeting Ali.

[@Dynamo001]

Another delusional liar.

[@verahoward2341]

Muhammad Ali was always an interesting person. But he had What it took to be the greatest and he knew it. And I admire him for his perseverance and strength. He was a legend in his own time. And he lives on in the hearts of those who knew greatness. Rest in peace Muhammad Ali. You are missed. Amen

[@verahoward2341]

@cliff I can't help but think that he kind of gave the fight to Leon spinks. Those 15 rounds were the greatest

[@gregwatson8219]

He not greatest. All hype

[@jb-vb8un]

ty couldn't even handle BUSTER DOUGLAS

[@brucescott4261]

@cliff ...Explain! Casual observer/Tysonite. If you ever meet Michael Gerard Tyson, state that comment in front of the latter's face.

[@verahoward2341]

@cliff we all have our own opinions which we are entitled to I was a teenager when I seen Muhammad Ali and the man had charisma. It was confident and by the time he got done talking his audience was hyped. I found him to be most enjoyable. And very good on his feet. Happy New Year

[@MovieMuscle]

Norton is on point. This how to speak, no BS hype. Just facts and intelligent delivery. Sense of humor on point too.

[@abdulraheemhussein1832]

Look at how Norton shook Ali's hand. That's real love and respect. These guys were like brothers.

[@hodell82]

Ali always liked Norton, and likewise. As intense as their fights were, it still amazes me that there was never any animosity between the two.

[@elterrible2007]

Kenny Norton always said of Ali: "We were friends before our fights, we were friends after our fights, just not during them"

[@prettyboy1970]

This is the second to the last generation of black men raised by their fathers, so they knew how to conduct themselves like gentlemen. Nowadays, most black males are raised in fatherless homes, so they act catty and emotional like women. If this meeting took place today, it would end up in a brawl.

[@larega66]

They were opponents not enemies.

[@melvingeloneck3344]

This was nice respect between two excellent boxers. They both had respect for each other.

[@anthonyconn4722]

I can't remember ever hearing Ken Norton interviewed. What a surprise! So articulate, pleasant, and fun. What a great video to find!

[@jlmusic1469]

So articulate??? Dude, he was schoolteacher. What did you expect to hear? That's called judging and in the worst way!

[@terencedorsey6717]

Yes, such a nice Colored Man.

[@kwasimensah6013]

You're comment is well taken by ME.

[@mongoslade277]

​@@terencedorsey6717DAMN 😂

[@YouDontKnow-that]

This type of show doesn't exist anymore. Kimmel and Fallon's political shows are garbage. Love the comradery between Norton and Ali. Classy, light hearted and respectful. This video is a treasure.

[@vancap9725]

YOU ARE SPOT ON BROTHER !!!

[@jimfleming1979]

Johnny was total personable.Always had class with his guests.There will never be another one.

[@originalandrewmark]

He bumped off the Champs head with such glee! What a bold, spontaneous impulse for JC to display his deep affection for Ali.

[@lwtomoha4728]

Jhonny Carson was the typical aggressive Irishman Alie had to raise his hands to get respect. Jhonny was afraid to insult him. Ed .was deathly afraid. Ali acted as a free Man. Norton just show boating.

[@alan30189]

@@lwtomoha4728 I think you got it wrong. Ali was showboating, especially while on the scale, not Norton. Norton was pretty laid-back.

[@lwtomoha4728]

@@alan30189 That's how you see it.Jhonnny Carson was just as racist as any of the rest of them It was not Alie's or Norton's Idea to come on T.V.in their robes. I saw no showboating in Ali.

[@denzel7822]

But they say he was very mean in real life

[@officialBrucemartin]

He gave a shout out to the hurricane 🙌

[@theasianjaywalker4455]

The murderer?

[@mofo1739]

No swearing or brawling or any bad behavior , just love respect and total entertainment.

[@asmrnaturecat984]

Hehe, ali and joe started the brawling in the interview first before everyone else

[@stevemichaels9852]

And the last thing he says is about the hurricane, Rubin Carter. Ali was great in and out of the ring ✊🏾 and of course the great ken Norton 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@Aristotelezz]

All evidence points to Carter guilty as hell!

[@lwtomoha4728]

Ali was conscious and what he said about Hurricane Carter was monumental and selfless.

[@stevemichaels9852]

@@lwtomoha4728 agreed 👍🏾

[@Aristotelezz]

@@lwtomoha4728 I'm sure Ali was sincere in his support of Carter. And so was Bob Dylan. He wrote Hurricane, the only Dylan record I've ever bought. Great song and great lyrics. But unfortunately Dylan already in 1975 quit playing the song live. He must become aware that Carter, who was free on bail, wasn't all-love as Densell Washington later claimed. Very violently Carter had beaten a women into the hospital. She had head back and internal damage. This woman by the way was one of the people who campaigned for him to be free. It didn't take long for the public to become aware of Carter's violent personalty and crime record etc. Anyway, most of the celebraties, if not all, that supported Carter all of a sudden were gone. Non of them, as far as I know, not even in the internet age, has ever admitted that their support of Carter was most likely a mistake. Ali didn't say anything, and Bob Dylan didn't play Hurricane anymore.

[@Williamottelucas]

@@Aristotelezz Fascinating. I knew the song, of course, but not the backstory.

[@MorrisonLee-wt2jp]

Gosh how gracious and witty and respectful they both are. They both must represent the high point of heavyweight boxing in that amazing age. I don't know much about Ken, but he was such an amazing physical specimen, even Ali must have felt humbled. Truly impressive examples of character and manhood. RIP, and thank you. God bless both of these good men. Australia

[@Alexdelosangeles]

What a class . They Didn't put a fake show. They went out together and nobody else. This were real men.

[@matimus100]

Brown Muhammad Ali

[@mickmack8999]

Damn Ken Norton was real likeable, can’t believe he didn’t start fighting until he was 22 that’s impressive

[@alanmorris7669]

All of them are gone forever, but we will never forget them.

[@thecarpetman7687]

When heavyweight boxers actually looked like athletes

[@elvisparker4691]

And looked like human beings, not Predators.

[@LOJ777]

They look like and are athletes now. Cut it out

[@thecarpetman7687]

@@LOJ777 is that you Steve wonder

[@jlmusic1469]

And had truly sharpened skill and followed a fight plan until it needed to change. Always recall Ken saying he had a fight plan for Foreman but when he seen how big George was at that time, he forgot the entire plan!!

[@TheRealDyscyples]

@@thecarpetman7687 definitely him

[@curtiselmquist8778]

Ali described the same thing I saw in the sky multiple times. Gave me chills watching this clip

[@flickingbollocks5542]

There are ETs, but I wonder why Ali went straight to that topic?

[@ajschraufnagel]

I think he had recently seen something and been speaking to a few ppl about it. Of course Carson just uses it for a cheap laugh and quickly moved on.

[@flickingbollocks5542]

@Farmer Stole My Tank Could be. He was a smart guy.

[@neinsager3236]

Muhammad Ali talks about UFO's openly in the 70's. What a true legend, ahead of time on this topic like on many other.

[@craigthacker]

I have never seen an interview with Ken Norton. This footage is awesome. Thank you for sharing.

[@jeffreyhess5960]

Very interesting promo back in the day...the civility the fighters had so close to the fight is amazing

[@askGodforwisdom]

What physical specimens these 2 men are… sheesh 😱 Also.. at 19:30 Ali brings light to Reuben “Hurricane” Carter (played by Denzel Washington decades later). Supreme example of why he is admired far beyond what he did inside the ring ✊🏾

[@threeballedtomcat9380]

This show was aired 4 days before my 17th birthday and I remember watching it....I don't remember the fight, though. They were both great athletes, great boxers. Wonderful show, guys. Thanks for the memories! P.S. I found that full fight on KZbin and Ali won by split decision- it is a GREAT fight! They were both warriors .

[@johnwelsh2769]

You are correct, it was a great fight.

[@mongoslade277]

Close fight. I had it as a draw. People like George Foreman and Mayweather said Norton won. Ali got the split decision

[@sirchi8731]

@@mongoslade277 Ali won the fight during those late rounds to be real. Ali used points to win which is actually smart.

[@mongoslade277]

@@sirchi8731 Ali definitely won the 12th round. Good fight

[@DavidBrown-73]

I was 6 months and 7 days old 😅😅😅

[@tomlichnofsky.7048]

RIP Ken Norton 😔 RIP MUHAMMAD ALI 😔 Johnny Carson and ED 😔

[@robertm.-certifieddaytrade4939]

It’s hard to believe that these “GREATS” are long gone!!

[@kingbuck427]

@@robertm.-certifieddaytrade4939 This just made me sad

[@Supercell725]

Ken’s son was a hell of a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys

[@SteveMikre44]

He sure was! Won Super Bowl rings with the Cowboys and 49ers...

[@joebiggs4387]

Yes he was! I’ll never forget the play he made in Super Bowl 27. He made a stop on the Buffalo Bills running back, not Thurman Thomas, but it was third down and the bills ran it up the middle and Norton was the only one there and he stopped him at the goal line and drove him backwards! It was awesome! That was when Ken Norton Junior became a star!

[@LonewolfLee22]

@@SteveMikre44 You can't capitalize the number 4.

[@SteveMikre44]

@@LonewolfLee22 That is team's name on their logo...

[@NuclearCarnivore]

Ken Junior weighed 254 pounds. He was a three- time pro bowler. What a family

[@sherrilldean211]

I was very ill as a child in 1971 during the Fraser fight I wanted to have a body like ALI’s ...my pop said you have to get out the hospital first I trained my whole life with his physique in mind I’m 63 now in weigh 210 lb and I’m 62 ... i’m a bit shorter but man I feel great ... thank you Ali ... you are the greatest because of your sportsmanship and love for people

[@AhPhoey]

Dean, you said you're both 63 and 62 yrs old.....you can't be both. You fibbing rascal. 🙂

[@elvisparker4691]

That is Awesome ! God Bless You 👍

[@riobabic8960]

Every time I seen Ken Norton talk he was always such a nice person !

[@patrickhatcherson3416]

Both were geniuses. Ali was advocating agendas in every sentence that are still being discussed decades later. They were both respectful of each other! That was good!!

[@tmctmc-hc5oi]

Johnny Carson is a great interviewer!

[@Onetazien]

Highly under rated interview of Mohammad Ali talking about UFOs!

[@mrmaxxx94]

Two great champions and two soul brothers who did things in and out of the ring, respect

[@charlesmiller7861]

I met Ali twice , first time at Miami International Airport he was there to fight, I was around 11 years old, Im 70 today. My dad sent me over to this tiny coffee shop to get his autograph, I had no Idea who he was, as I walked into the shop, he was sitting on a low spin type bar stool, he spun around just as I walked up to him, I think he saw me walking up in a mirror behind the counter, and asked me how I was doing, I asked if I could have his autograph, he said sure do you have a piece of paper, I said no, he asked do you have a pencil, I said no. His huge body guard handed him both, he asked me what my name was, told him Charles, And he wrote.....To Charles the young man who has nothing but this autograph, Mohammad Ali, slash. Cassius Clay. He was a very nice person. 2nd time was when I was 16 and going to Merchant Marine School, In piney point Maryland, 1968, he was there to visit his Olympic Coach, he was the schools physical fitness coach and trained boxers also. And again great guy.

[@Servant.of.the.MostHighSWT]

Man you lucky you got to meet the Goat 🙌🏾🐐💯

[@jamesmack3314]

So did you save that autograph? That’s a great little story.

[@charlesmiller7861]

My Dad used to save the autographs I would get, he was a pilot and I used to hang around the airport, I had alot of autographs. When I was 17 me and my Dad had a complete falling out over the Vietnam war. I never talked to him again ever, after he died I asked my brother, which I hadent talked to in at least 28 years. He basically said he didnt know anything about the. A autograph collector in Houston where I lived, he owned a huge fence company, he had maybe 75 hanging up in his huge office. He told me if I could put my hands on it, he would give me 10,000 for it, he had never seen where he had signed both names.

[@DJK-cq2uy]

That's a whopper. What bait did you use to catch that fish??? 😂

[@Kassiusday]

@@charlesmiller7861 superb story which year Ali signed both names. Muhammad Ali / Cassius Clay ?? So interesting to check why he did that , my profil s name is Kassius Klay .. since Ali has never forbidden anyone else than him Ali , to call himself as Kassius Klay with 2 K ! His father and mother kept to call themselves Clay anyway !!!

[@cjrrun]

If Norton was a fighter today, he'd be the champion now. Was as tough as they came.

[@mwilliams1330]

There may have been decades with great heavyweights, but i cannot think of a greater era for heavyweights than that period. Ali, Frazier, Foreman, Shavers, Norton, even Jimmy Ellis and Ron Lyle...what a time.

[@marcomustang876]

All of the Top10 fighters would beat Tyson Fury : Ali , Frazier , Norton , Ernie Shavers , Formen , Larry Holmes ...then the next generations of the 1990's-2000's of Tyson , Holyfield , Bowe , Lennox Lewis , Morrison , Michael Moorer , Ike Iebuchie , Bert Cooper , Peter Samuel etc... !!!

[@Jazzhog]

@@mwilliams1330I agree ! Those were 15 rounders, no BS ! 😵‍💫😤😡💣🤜💥🤛

[@mongoslade277]

@@mwilliams1330 How about Jimmy Young. He beat everyone on that list but Ali got the decision. Shavers got the draw in the 2nd fight. A lot of competition in the 1970s heavyweights

[@TheRetroManRandySavage]

@@marcomustang876 you seem pretty sure of yourself, lol. When in reality we just don't know and never will know.

[@sjtom57]

I was never much of an Ali fan but must admit he was one hell of a boxer, and it was very difficult watching his slow decline health wise. May they all rest in peace.

[@threeballedtomcat9380]

Ali did have a huge ego, but he was the real deal when inside the ring with an opponent. It is a shame about his heath issue.....Cerebral Palsy I think. RIP to all that have passed.

[@charisparrott6177]

@@threeballedtomcat9380 He had Parkinsons disease.

[@threeballedtomcat9380]

@@charisparrott6177 You are exactly right....Thanks!

[@dins5066]

@@threeballedtomcat9380 cerebral palsy?? 😆

[@threeballedtomcat9380]

@@dins5066 I was wrong-it was Parkinsons disease....

[@charliecroker2541]

This was a quite relaxing, pleasant all round enjoyable interview. They don't make them like this anymore.

[@davidemmet7343]

Ken Norton seems like a pretty nice guy.

[@scottodonnell7121]

He was an absolute gentleman

[@Raughwe]

Very much so, and intelligent! And I love the little "chasing women" jive. That's a signal to everybody that he's a regular guy.

[@davidemmet7343]

@@Raughwe The fact that he is a womanizer which is not to his credit. This kind of behavior has directly contributed to the destruction of the family that in turn has led to so many other problems in our society today.

[@countryboy3383]

@@davidemmet7343 Shut your emmet hole...

[@mofo1739]

A gentleman and very articulate, also Ken and Ali had great love and respect for each other.

[@Charlie-502]

I can totally see Ken Norton being an mma fighter if he was in his prime nowadays. The guy was a beast

[@garycollier6950]

Ken Norton could not take a punch, he would have been garbage as a MMA fighter.

[@jb-vb8un]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[@mongoslade277]

@yougotactionsportshandicap357 Different styles. Norton was awkward. He had that cross guard defense and threw his jab from his hip. He'd turn that jab over to a left hook. Even the Cassius Clay version of Ali had trouble with a left hook. Styles make fights. Ali would beat Holyfield

[@c.ostriker5572]

@ Charlie 502 I agree. Ken Norton could take a punch. He fought some tough customers throughout his career and won a lot more than he lost. He was KO'D by legitimate POWER HITTERS. George Foreman / Shavers, 2 ( both who KO'D other quality fighters) of the most prolific power punchers the sport has ever seen and Gerry Cooney ( in his old age and semi retired). Beyond that Kenny had a winning record. Not many men left the ring under their own power against Shavers and a Young prime Foreman. For those he claims that he had no punch resistance is a perception that lacks proper context. Norton was a very hard hitter/ counter puncher. If he was an MMA fighter he would have been a very formidable striker and a lot more well rounded in punch delivery than most who are rather crude in their delivery. I would wager being the athlete that he was, he would have thrived in the UFC.

[@sleazyfellow]

@@garycollier6950 Norton just had problems with big punchers, boxers he gave hell though. As for MMA, if he avoided the big hitters he'd be a good fighter.

[@ken244]

Johnny is the greatest tonight show host ever.

[@davidhaley5597]

But there was one other who had the smoothness, class, charisma and huge laughs that could run the show almost better than him which is why he never spoke to her again after she got her own show....Joan Rivers!

[@balerjohnson3099]

Mohammed Ali was serious on the UFO thing ...He has seen them as have I and millions of others ...Great man .

[@Antiqueexcavator]

I had dinner with Muhammad Ali after an exhibition vs Luke Capuano in Chicago in 1979. After the match I was invited by a friend of my fathers (who was involved in sponsoring Capuano ) to meet for a late dinner at the Four Torches restaurant. Shortly after we sat down Ali and a few of the people with him sat down right across the table. It was the best brush with greatness I’ve ever experienced. He was engaging, funny and crazy smart.

[@HankFinkle11]

Ali even made Kenny laugh.

[@JJStetson]

“Too skinny!”

[@mjd5966]

That shout/acknowledgement to the hurricane showed Ali's true class and another reason why he was the greatest

[@bullfranthrow]

Ali was on a different level of human beings. Almost godlike, not being blasphemous. This video is over 40 years old yet you can still feel his energy. I can only imagine being in the same room with him.

[@mr.mister7166]

Ali was an amazing human being! Ken Norton is one of the most underrated fighters ever!

[@kybelian]

It’s because he never truly won a championship. He was awarded one. He didn’t fight Frazier though he’s a contemporary

[@kwasimensah6013]

@@kybelian He also did badly against heavy hitters. Foreman knocked him out in 2, Shavers in 1.

[@peterroberts7684]

Ken "The Body"Norton 👍👍👍🇺🇸

[@mongoslade277]

​@@kybelianNorton & Frazier used to spar with each other. They had the same trainer in Eddie Futch so they vowed not to fight each other. I'd take Norton by decision. When Ken Norton "beat" Jimmy Young that fight was for the championship. That's why they fought 15 rounds instead of 12. Ali had already been stripped. They just hadn't announced it yet

[@eugenehamby7167]

I agree with this this is when T.V. was worth watching with 3 former Champions because Johnny Carson was the champion of late night T.V. as well and of course the Greatest of All Time Muhammad Ali and then Ken Norton they had 3 fights may God Bless all 3 of them that are no longer with us.

[@mdsoulsounds]

Tremendous show and class/ comedy by every one. What happened to humanity?

[@shable1436]

Ali talking about UFOs, damn he was ahead of his time in all areas

[@erikaandrada9716]

I was just gonna say like how th is nobody saying anything in the comments like is just everyone ignoring it or??

[@bradd2k2]

I just seen the comment as he said it that’s mad

[@shable1436]

@@bradd2k2 Ali was not crazy, I know this as facts

[@bradd2k2]

@@shable1436 no I’m not saying he was mad, the country I am from mad means like that’s insane he said it and now everyone talks about it, we phrase words differently here lol

[@shable1436]

@@bradd2k2 what country? I'm the same but crazy sometimes means not insane but Wiley like coyotes

[@ChrisPBacon-ok7ir]

So good to see the genuine respect for each other. This sport died long ago imo.

[@gregallen3608]

You are correct sir.

[@robertallen6710]

..yep..

[@notmyrealname1730]

Don King killed boxing. He is the worst thing that ever happened to the sweet science.

[@Jay9999]

Tyson Fury has brought heavy weight boxing back in a big way. He's the biggest champion in history, with the most god given talent. Undefeated against a lot of great opponents.

[@alvilla9659]

@@Jay9999 i agree

[@tafimutekwe2855]

Legendary TV presenter Johnny Carson; may his dear soul rest in eternal peace. What a dexterous way to handle two formidable fighters all on one show!!!!!!

[@marcspardello1254]

What’s awesome is that both guys seem so cool and calm that their real personalities are coming through - in a good way.

[@wardwiththesword3667]

Ali took over the interview 😂. The Greatest!

[@amirdawson770]

He always did 😅

[@gutz1981]

This was the BEST shape Ali had gotten post his layoff. He looked and was as lite as when he was in his prime in his 20s. He was never this lite again. Super lean.

[@user-ew1xu4wq4k]

He was in similar lean shape for the fight against Frazier a few months after this.

[@cognac510]

Ali mentioning the guys case at the end shows he's way bigger than boxing. His heart was made big by God to share with everyone who was on earth at the same time as Ali.

[@jeffhammers5677]

Fantastic humor, timing and class by two of the best.

[@MultiHondaa]

This will never get old. 😆

[@highsecurityagent8778]

NORTONS PHYSIQUE WAS AN INSPIRATION FOR ME, IN THE SUMMER OF 1974 I STAYED IN THE GYM, THANKS KEN. He really had a bad style even though he fought Ali very good. He was to light against a big young George Forman.

[@jasonnoble3971]

THIS is an absolute gem! I've never seen Ken Norton in an interview situation. What a great dude! And of course, Ali is Ali.

[@jackskillet]

what a fantastic feeling i have from this...the weight in was priceless

[@Tim_ArtistName_Tallent]

Cracking up cause Ali has the same demeanor we have today about UFOs

[@Cookefan59]

I must be getting old. All four of these great men are now gone. 😢

[@markdavid4897]

Kudos to Mohammad Ali and Ken Norton, and Johnny Carson for having them. They fought 3 days later in Los Angeles, and Ali won the rematch. . I missed the original show because I was stationed in Germany in the US Army, but I did get to see re-runs of Sea Hunt with Lloyd Bridges on AFN. :0)

[@zminvestllc9919]

LOVES THESE GUYS! MISS THEM BOTH.

[@macamo9991]

Notice the Ali/Norton handshake like soul brother.

[@user-yu1zp2vu9x]

This is an amazing video. I have NEVER seen a show with two competing fighters on the same stage. Of course Johnny was one of a kind. Getting Ali and Ken Norton together for a mock weight in just before the fight seems dangerous. Those two fighters, those two intelligent and respectful gentleman are pure class. Amazing video. Ahhh…… Just amazing.

[@krnstc]

Love that Ali mentioned "Hurricane" Carter!

[@Sybilgause]

Go back and listen he mentioned a whole of stuff but that very good that he mentioned him.

[@Silveryback]

What wound up happening? Was the guy charged for manslaughter or was he found innocent?

[@krnstc]

@@Silveryback He was found to be wrongfully convicted and the charges vacated after almost serving 20yrs

[@avikma77]

@@Silveryback there is a movie about him. Denzel Washington plays him. Great movie

[@scottodonnell7121]

@@avikma77 if you do some research you will find out it was a lot of lies. He was guilty of those charges.

[@anthonychanning3954]

Met Mr Norton one time, he was humble and gracious. A class guy.

[@Riles3152]

Wow, Ali was such a transcendent figure that he was able to generate exposure on the top late night talk show in the world, to a man like Ken Norton, one of the more underrated Heavyweights of all-time. This is back when Boxing was almost if not just as big and respected as MLB and the NFL.

[@cari7281]

This was entertaining. I did forward to the weigh in.

[@lorisrizzardo4262]

Wow Norton was intermittent fasting 50 years ago with protein focus. Definitely ahead of his time.

[@briangilmore6341]

Wow. This is a nice piece of history here. Thank you!!

[@andrenewton37]

Ali was not only the Greatest fighter of all time. He also carried himself with high esteem and class. Mr Norton was a Marine and intelligent ,discipline gentlemen. You could ALI had tremendous respect for him...The both are tremendous and incredible African American men.

[@DavidGarvinTechnophile]

1973: Muhammed says there are UFOs: "He's crazy" 2020s: US Government says there are UFOs: "Ho Hum"

[@kathleenmckeithen118]

What a treat this was! I may have seen this but it was a long, long time ago. So glad you posted this one!!! Thank you!!

[@michaeldean9338]

Throw in some 'Kirshner's Rock Concert' and 'Midnight Special', I'd be able to go with this type of programming til my last breath. Both TV and radio suck today, and has for the past 30-35 years. Thanks for this.

[@joeblough261]

It always amazes me how much more articulate people were back then. Listen to Frazier, Norton, Foreman, Ali...all these guys are better spoken than most white collar, college educated people of today.

[@mongoslade277]

Great Comment!!

[@ignatiusmaziofa2393]

I didn't know Ken had such charisma

[@exclamationpointman3852]

Respect how well behave they were. So sad how Ali was silenced after being this powers a speaker!!! POWERFUL speaker!!! He really could have been great in just a field with words alone. Also Norton was great commentating on fights. This was great to see. Rest in peace to them both....

[@melvingeloneck3344]

I agree with Ali about the flying saucers. I'd like to have heard his views on Roswell and the 1947 sighting!

[@Craig-c6f]

When , America, showed some Class. I'm glad I was alive to see it. And I still am.

[@Wheels-4-Steels]

How professionals didn't go after each other physically.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Much respect to both of them for this interview. But especially to Ali for bringing up Hurricane Carter.

[@panama8009]

2 great fighters and good looking brothers about to fight. Both had style. RIP to both.

[@salvatorediangelo453]

The humility, maturity and class displayed by yesterday's athletes should be an inspiration to the athletes of today!

[@albdoggonemorris6488]

It's so sad to see how far television has fallen off show like this with two great athletes aren't shown anymore. It really was the golden age of television

[@Bienvenue-o5c]

I HAVE A LOT OF RESPECT FOR KEN NORTON A VERY GREAT MAN TOO.

[@DemocracyFirst2025]

This was so wholesome and respectful while simultaneously entertaining, competitive, and intense. The lightness of the moment combined w/ the inevitability of the imminent violent battle are all the ingredients for a recipe I didn’t even know could exist. If only today we used our phones as tools instead of being consumed by them 24/7, we could become an improved version of this time, when ppl were well-read, well-spoken, well-mannered, and well-rounded.

[@billyshead1339]

Some good tv right here. My grandparents had Carson and Benny Hill on all the time plus other great shows and movies. Good times. 👍🏻

[@knucklegame5050]

Ali was Much More than a boxer. He was a PURE Entertainer and SpokesPerson, a TRUE Embassador of the People. Rip Champ👑🥊🥊🤲🏾🤲🏾

[@rw1557]

Norton let Ali be Ali, and Ali gave Norton respect. It's crazy to see Nortons physique and he only weighed 204. And the shootout to Hurricane was cool as hell.