Going the Distance: The Ken Norton Story

by Ken Norton, Ken Norton

The 1970s ushered in boxing's greatest class of heavyweight fighters. The fight game has never before or since seen such a talented and charismatic group. Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Larry Holmes, and Ken Norton have been hailed as "Champions Forever, " as the world heavyweight title was passed among them throughout the decade. On March 31, 1973, Norton broke Ali's jaw in the process of winning a 12-round decision over "The Greatest." Going the Distance traces the incredible path of Norton's life, from Jacksonville, Illinois, to Northeast Missouri State University, to the U.S. Marines, to his historic bout with Ali in San Diego, California, and on to his life today. The book includes exclusive personal photos from Norton's collection, as well as a chronology of Norton's 49 professional fights.

213 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2000

Reviews

[Ashwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This autobiography is rather breezy and, consequently, quite a refreshing read. No topic is explained in an exhaustive way and that results in keeping things at a nice pace. The book also contains personal anekdotes from former competitors, trainers, journalists, and family members. That really sets this book apart from other boxing biographies. The only thing that bothers me about the book is that it is marred with typos. One heading even says 'Chaper' instead of the word 'Chapter'. That is just incredibly sloppy. Nevertheless, it is a great read for anyone who is interested in golden era of heavyweight boxing.

[Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's only natural to compare this book to Joe Frazier's biography, which was released about the same time. Norton and Frazier both fought Ali three times and they each won one of the three contests. Norton won the added notoriety of breaking Ali's jaw. Norton's life story isn't as interesting as Frazier's, who came up in poverty as opposed to Norton's middle class background and spoiled child upbringing, but Norton proved the more formidable foe to Ali, going the distance in both of the loosing bouts and losing only by hotly contested split decisions. But it was his fight with Larry Holmes that stands out as one of the great heavyweight bouts in history, culminating in an explosive 15th round of lionhearted pugilism that had me cheering out loud while I watched it on Youtube 30 years later.

Norton almost died when Gerry Cooney knocked him out in the first round of their fight, but by then his legacy was secure and he retired with his health intact, only to almost die again in a horrible car crash that took him several years to recover from.

One of the most interesting aspects of the book is Norton's relationship with his son, Ken Jr. - a star athlete in his own right whom Norton raised alone as a single father while climbing the ranks of the heavyweight division. Congratulations to both these men for winning, healing, and putting family first.

[David Horney]

mr norton gives a brief account of his childhood then segues into his boxing career. then much of the book is given to round by round analysis of his big fights....as a fight nerd i found it enjoyable. not a lot of personal info if that's your kinda thing.