Boxing Legend Ken Norton Passes

Former heavyweight boxing champ Ken Norton, whose battles with Muhammad Ali were legendary, died Wednesday in Las Vegas. He was 70.

Norton had been in poor health for the last several years after suffering a series of strokes, according toESPN.  Norton won his first fight with Ali in 1973, breaking his opponent's jaw in the process. He lost the next two fights against the legend, the last one coming in 1976, at Yankee Stadium, with Ali narrowly retaining his heavyweight title.

Norton was awarded the WBC Heavyweight title in 1978 after reigning champ Leon Spinks refused to give Norton a shot at the belt.