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Ken Norton knew who was the best after fighting Ali, Foreman and Holmes

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Ken Norton knew who was the best ever after facing Ali, Foreman and Holmes

Ken Norton once described his former opponent as the greatest heavyweight of all time, saying that punching him was like “hitting a piece of cement”.

The former world heavyweight champion was perhaps best known for taking a split decision against Muhammad Ali in 1973, before losing the head-to-head rematch and third fight three years later.

However, in addition to Ali, the American also quarreled with George Foreman, Larry Holmes and Ernie Shavers, who in one way or another defeated him.

For example, his fight with Foreman ended in a devastating second-round victory, which took place approximately seven months before the artist’s knockout the iconic Rumble in the Jungle with Ali.

Against Holmes, it was a much tighter, 15-round battle in which Norton lost a split decision before being defeated by Shavers – in the first round, no less – just two fights later.

But while Norton faced a string of formidable heavyweights, most of them in their prime, his trilogy with Ali was ultimately enough to determine who he believed was the best.

I’m talking to ESPN Radio before his death in 2013, the Jacksonville fighter insisted that Ali was also the strongest opponent he faced, thus justifying his reasoning for considering him the greatest heavyweight of all time.

– As long as I was here, yes [Ali is the best ever]. Ali was very robust, but since he wasn’t a one-punch KO artist, [his strength] is omitted. Hitting Ali in the body or arms was like hitting a piece of cement.

The fact that Norton fought Ali and Foreman so early before their 1974 meeting should indicate that he, more than most, knew exactly what both heavyweights were capable of.

Moreover, a total of 39 innings spent with Ali would have given Norton a full understanding of how great he truly was.

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Tyson Fury Documentary Premieres on Netflix Just Before Joshua Fight

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"Tyson Fury Documentary Premieres on Netflix Just Before Joshua Fight"

Netflix releases TYSON FURY on November 27, tracing the heavyweight’s rise through boxing and examining his personal struggles before he faces Anthony Joshua on December 11.

Lucy Wilcox directs the feature-length documentary. Fury, his wife Paris and father John give interviews alongside previously unseen footage from his life and career.

Tyson Fury’s Career and Family Life

The film follows Fury from childhood into the heavyweight ranks, revisiting the victories and setbacks that shaped his career. His family contributes its accounts of the experiences behind those performances.

Mental health, addiction and the loss of a child are among the subjects covered. The documentary also examines Fury’s views on masculinity, his family relationships and the support he has relied on throughout his career.

Paris and John bring their perspectives to a film that explores the personal pressures accompanying Fury’s success in the ring.

Fury vs Joshua: December 11 Date and Netflix Broadcast

Fury and Joshua step into opposite corners on Friday, December 11, 2026, at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. Netflix will broadcast their first professional meeting globally to all members at no additional cost.

The remaining bouts have yet to be announced.

At their September 30 press conference, Fury spoke about the years spent waiting to get Joshua into the ring.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge. It’s been 10 years in the making,” Fury said.

“The rise has been phenomenal from both fighters. We’ve both had our ups and downs. Finally, we arrive at this moment.”

Fury also praised his British rival: “He’s been a role model and a poster boy for British boxing for years.”

Joshua welcomed the occasion and said their exchanges would drive him through extra rounds in the gym.

“I feel fresh. I feel very excited about this opportunity to work again,” Joshua said.

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BoxingNews24.com has delivered independent boxing coverage since 2007, including original news, fight analysis, schedules, and results. Our experienced boxing writers cover major fighters and events worldwide, with published content reviewed by editors for accuracy.

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Jake Paul Confirms December 24 Dubai Fight, Ending Retirement Speculations

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"Jake Paul Confirms December 24 Dubai Fight, Ending Retirement Speculations"

MVP chief Nakisa Bidarian addresses questions over Paul’s boxing future following the Anthony Joshua injury, with a Christmas Eve comeback confirmed.

Jake Paul will fight again after the broken jaw he suffered against Anthony Joshua raised doubts about his boxing future. MVP has confirmed a December 24, 2026, comeback in Dubaiand promoter Nakisa Bidarian says Paul’s decision answers those who questioned his desire to return.

The opponent remains unconfirmed.

Bidarian put the injury and its aftermath at the centre of his comments about Paul’s first fight back.

“Twelve months ago he suffered a double broken jaw against a two-time heavyweight world champion and since then many have doubted his desire or need to return to boxing,” the MVP co-founder and CEO said.

“Well he is back, and that tells you everything about the competitor Jake Paul is and how much he loves this sport.”

Paul Answers With a Christmas Eve Comeback

Paul heads into his return with a 12-2 record and seven knockouts. His December 2025 meeting with Joshua preceded the year-long absence that will end when he headlines MVP’s card in the United Arab Emirates.

He has committed to another fight.

“I’m hungrier than ever, and on Thursday, December 24, I’m returning to the ring in Dubai to start the next chapter of my journey,” Paul said.

The comeback will also take Paul into a new location for his professional career. He has never contested a professional bout in Dubai, which will host the event through MVP’s cooperation agreement with the Dubai Sports Council and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism.

MVP has not yet named the opponent, venue or broadcaster. The promotion plans to release further details over the coming weeks, with no weight division or scheduled distance specified in the October 29 announcement.

Paul began his professional career in 2020. His headline appearances have since included Mike Tyson in November 2024 and Joshua the following December, with the latter leaving him facing a lengthy spell outside the ring.

Bidarian described the decision to resume fighting as evidence of Paul’s commitment to boxing. Paul, meanwhile, closed his comeback statement with a prediction for whoever signs to face him.

“Merry Christmas, Dubai. Santa Paul is coming to town, and somebody’s getting knocked out.”

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BoxingNews24.com has delivered independent boxing coverage since 2007, including original news, fight analysis, schedules, and results. Our experienced boxing writers cover major fighters and events worldwide, with published content reviewed by editors for accuracy.

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Tyson Fury: A Family Journey Revealed in New Netflix Documentary

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"Tyson Fury: A Family Journey Revealed in New Netflix Documentary"

Paris and John Fury join Tyson in TYSON FURYthe documentary released on Netflix today that examines the family relationships behind his heavyweight career.

Their interviews sit alongside Fury’s own account and previously unseen archive footage. Directed by Lucy Wilcox, the feature-length film follows his life from childhood through the victories and setbacks of his boxing career.

The family’s experiences form a central part of the story.

Mental health, addiction and the loss of a child are among the subjects explored. The documentary also examines masculinity and the personal pressures that have accompanied Fury’s success in the ring.

Paris and John contribute their perspectives on a life supporters have largely followed through bouts and public appearances. Their involvement brings those closest to Fury into an account that considers both the support he has received and the difficulties that remain outside boxing.

The release comes before another major date in his career: December 11when Fury faces Anthony Joshua at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

At their September 30 press conference, Fury described the personal significance of finally meeting his British rival.

“When I fight AJ, that’ll be the most important fight in my life,” Fury said.

Joshua spoke about how far the rivalry had reached beyond boxing gyms.

“I know in pubs, people have had proper fights about who’s going to win out of me and Tyson. I know family members fell out with each other about who’s going to win.”

Netflix will stream Fury vs Joshua globally to all members at no additional cost. It will be their first professional meeting, with the remaining bouts still to be announced.

Joshua also looked towards the younger fighters who would watch them share the ring.

“We’re going to inspire the next generation.”

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