How many times did Muhammad Ali fight Ken Norton?

Muhammad Ali fought Ken Norton three times. Their rivalry began on March 31, 1973, at the San Diego Sports Arena, where Norton defeated Ali by a split decision and broke Ali’s jaw.

Ali won the rematch six months later, on September 10, 1973, at The Forum in Inglewood, California. That bout also ended in a close split decision, giving the rivalry an even score. Their third and final meeting took place on September 28, 1976, at Yankee Stadium in New York City.

Ali won the final fight by unanimous decision and retained his world heavyweight championship, although the result remains one of boxing’s most disputed decisions. Many observers believed Norton had done enough to win, and Norton himself strongly disagreed with the judges. Because the series consisted of one win for Norton followed by two for Ali, it is often remembered as a closely contested trilogy rather than a one-sided rivalry.