Ken Norton, one of the greatest heavyweights of his era, died yesterday in Los Angeles, USA, at the age of 70, CEOAFRICA sports desk gathered.

The fighter, who came to limelight for defeating Mohammed Ali in 1973 by breaking his jaw in the process, died of heart attack.

According to his manager and friend, Patrick Tenore, Norton passed away at the Arizona care facility yesterday afternoon.

 “His wife called me and said Ken had passed away. I saw him a few days ago. His mind was always clear but his speech was impeded since the car accident in Los Angeles.” Tenore said.

Norton, who suffered a stroke last year, ended his brilliant career with a record of 42 wins, seven losses, one draw and 33 knockouts.

He fought in the 1970s era of magnificent heavyweights — a group that also included Ali, George Foreman, Joe Frazier, Leon Spinks and Jimmy Young.

While paying tribute to the fallen legend, George Foreman twitted thus;

“They called us handsome. Muhammad they called pretty. But the fairest of them all Ken Norton. What a loss to all of us.”

Larry Holmes also wrote on his Twitter page;

 “My heart has been heavy since hearing the news earlier today,” boxer Larry Holmes wrote on Twitter. “He was a good man. #RIP #KenNorton.”

Norton was born in Jacksonville, Illinois, and was an award-winning athlete in American football and track and field at Jacksonville High School. His prowess on the gridiron earned him a scholarship to Northeast Missouri State University.

He started boxing during his four year-stint in the United States Marine Corps, which he joined in 1963.

In March 1973, Norton shocked the boxing world by winning a split decision over Ali at the San Diego Sports Arena.

He would go on to fight Ali twice more, losing both times. He lost a split decision to Ali later in 1973 and by a unanimous decision in 1976 at Yankee Stadium.

In 1974, Norton fought and lost to Foreman in Venezuela for the World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association heavyweight titles. The fight was stopped in the second round after Foreman knocked him down three times.

Norton, who was nicknamed “The Black Hercules”, also fought Holmes, losing his title late in his career to the up-and-coming heavyweight in 1978. It was the first defense of the WBC title for Norton, who fought in the era where championship fights lasted 15 rounds.

Furthermore, iron Mike Tyson described Norton as a very great man, whom he met as an amateur boxer.

 “Today a great man passed away. A legend in the boxing world and a good man.

“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. Condolences to Ken Norton’s family on this very sad day.” Tyson Tweeted.

Norton had what some called an unconventional style. He would lean forward backing his opponent up while holding both arms up high and across his face like he was looking through the bars of a gridiron helmet.

After he retired, he featured in about 20 Hollywood films. He was involved in a serious car accident in 1986 on Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles. He recovered, and three years later he was inducted to the World Boxing Hall of Fame.