A TRIBUTE TO KEN NORTON SENIOR, 6 MONTHS AFTER HIS PASSING

(I wrote this 6 months ago  but after  watching ESPN Classic Boxing made me want to repost in honor of Ken Norton Senior)

As a long time fan of the "Sweet Science," we had some very sad news in the boxing world with the passing of the legendary heavyweight champion Ken Norton Sr. I was very fortunate to grow up in a time where we boxing fans were so lucky to see the plethora of talent in the heavyweight division that was crammed into the early 1970's. Back then, there was no UFC, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, or 50 different channels for sports: Boxing was king, and I vividly remember

spending Saturday afternoons with my dad and brother Tommy, eagerly anticipating ABC's Wide World Of Sports Boxing. We got to see all the legends like Ali, Foreman, Frazier, Quarry, Holmes, Shavers, Young, Lyle, Bonavena, etc., with another legendary announcer Mr. Howard Cosell. It was a magical wrinkle in time for all of us pugilistic spectators. 
             Ken Norton was one of the very toughest boxers in the world, and how can anybody forget his three epic fights with Mohammad Ali. Norton took on all comers in that giant stable of 1970's heavyweights, and nobody had a tougher chin or bigger heart of a champion. After Ken Norton retired, I got to see his son, Ken Norton Jr. play against Tommy at UCLA , and with him as Tommy's team mate at the 49'ers. What a legend Ken Norton was and will always be. 15 bells in silence are ringing your honor today Mr. Norton. Rest In Peace and sincerest condolences to the Norton family.