Legendary boxer Ken Norton died Wednesday in a Las Vegas care facility in Henderson, Nev., according to The New York Times. The World Boxing Council heavyweight champion was 70 years old.

Ken Norton fought Muhammad Ali three times, and in their first boxing bout, Norton even broke Ali's jaw, winning the fight against the "King of Boxing" in 1973. He lost to Ali twice, with the last encounter in 1976 at the Yankee Stadium, resulting to a controversial decision in favor of Ali, as reported by BBC News. Norton's death was confirmed by his son, Ken Jr.

Norton was considered to be an unorthodox fighter, so that Ali didn't see his 1973 defeat coming.

"Ali thought it would be an easy fight; but Norton was unorthodox. Instead of jabbing from above like most fighters, he would put his hand down and jab up at Ali," Gene Kilroy, Norton's former manager, told AP, as reported by The New York Times. Norton was then able to capture the North American Boxing Federation heavyweight title. After the fight, Norton reportedly visited Ali in the hospital, and Ali said that was the last time he'd fight Norton. However, two more bouts came for the two, with Ali retaining his World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association titles.

Norton's other memorable fights include his 1977 bout with the previously undefeated Duane Bobick, which he knocked out on the first round. He also won against Jimmy Young in a 15-round fight. In 1975, Norton knocked out Jerry Quarry in the fifth round, regaining the North American Boxing Federation crown.

Born Kenneth Howard Norton, the legendary boxer had had five children, with Ken Jr. taking up a profession in sports, having played football (linebacker) for the Dallas Cowboys and for the San Francisco 49ers. He now coaches the National Football League's Seattle Seahawks, according to The New York Times.

Norton's health had been failing since he suffered a series of strokes.

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