Going the Distance

by Ken Norton, Marshall Terrill, Bob McLain (Editor)

On March 31, 1973, in San Diego, California, Ken Norton stunned the world by defeating the most renowned heavyweight boxing champion ever—Muhammad Ali. Not only did Norton take the 12-round decision, but he broke Ali’s jaw, a double feat that made him an overnight sensation. In this revised and updated version, Going the Distance traces the incredible path of Ken Norton’s life, including a stint in the Marines and a job on the assembly line at a Ford factory, followed by his nearly 15-year run as a professional boxer and a subsequent film career in Hollywood. Norton's bouts with Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Larry Holmes, Earnie Shavers, Scott LeDoux, Gerry Cooney, Tex Cobb, and many others are presented in detail, as is his very public separation from and later reconciliation with his son, Ken Norton Jr., a former NFL All-Star linebacker. Going the Distance includes exclusive personal photos from Norton’s collection, as well as a chronology of his 49 professional fights and a new postscript written shortly before Norton's death in 2013.

260 pages, Paperback

Published October 22, 2019

Reviews

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first interjecting with second hand anecdotes seemed odd, but it’s actually kind of genius. Most autobiographies lack that perspective, and in adding little blurbs as you go to give context really helps give dimension.

Jumps to racist conclusions about “north Vietnamese” as though there is any distinction between northern and southern cultures of Vietnam. Racist American trope.

Only got into boxing to avoid 5AM reveille in the marine corps. Good god.

Respected Ali’s right to refuse service on religious grounds and compared him to Billy Graham. Gross, but I guess noble.

Norton emphasizes the marketing of boxing vs reality, moreso than I think I’ve ever heard any one person go on about. He seems to really set the record straight, caring more about truth than legacy, which is how a lot of boxing myths get out of control to begin with.

Probably the greatest compliment anyone has ever gotten in boxing heavyweight history is Joe Frazier admitting to calling out sick multiple times on sparring days with Norton.

[Mike Boyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Enjoyable Read

This was a really great book. You not only learned about Ken Norton the boxer, but also the person in detail. It was written in first person structure as if the man was sitting across from you telling the story. There were generous details about his key fights; and also interspersed were interview pieces from family and notable opponents and other boxing figures in the business. Had a hard time putting this one down. It was a very interesting book.

[Desmond Felix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great fighter during the golden age of heavyweight boxing

Ken Norton Sr. is universally liked in the boxing game and it wasn't hard to see why. A true warrior in the ring, but his experience as a single father and recovery from life threatening injuries are even more impressive. Great book by a true sporting hero.

[Drago Hamid · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a young man who did not know of Norton until a few years ago, I have always loved Kenny when I got into boxing, I was able to relate to and understand him personally through this book. I enjoyed it very much and was engaged the entire read-through. As a fight fan, I am happy to have read this book, and very appreciative of getting to know Kenny Norton. God bless him.