In a black gay men's group, somebody recently asked the meaty question "Ken Norton or Carl Weathers?" I didn't say much in response but I know I had the answer. There ain't even ... yes, ain't even ... no contest! There's no need to objectify the man down to his abs, thighs and boxing trunks 'cuz this brotha was the total package. I've known that since I was 12 years old!
And if you didn't believe me the first time ... check THIS out!
Mine eyes hath seen THE GLORY!
Of course, Ken Norton's true glory is his stellar career as a heavyweight boxer. Some of us only know (or care) about his turn as a butt-naked plantation stud in movies like Mandingo and Drum. However, Norton is best known for his trilogy of boxing matches with Muhammad Ali. On March 31, 1973, Ken "the Jawbreaker" Norton became only the second professional boxer to ever take Ali down in his prime. (Ali had previously lost the heavyweight title to Joe Frazier who lost it to George Foreman who lost it back to Ali in 1974.)
In the meantime, Ali avenged the Norton loss six months later on September 10, 1973, but only by a split decision after a hard exchange with Norton. When they met again in 1976, Ali had regained the title but Norton put Ali through the ringer once more in one of the most contested bouts in boxing history. Only by a narrow margin (many felt Norton won the fight) did Ali retained the title. Muhammad Ali proved he was "the Greatest" but Ken Norton was in his prime and also proved he was quite ...... glorious, indeed.
Carl Weathers might have been phyne, but he wasn't even a contender!
Addendum: If you look below in the comments section, Derrick says "Ken Norton had the most beautiful booty in the whole wide world." I'm inclined to agree! Perhaps, we must examine that Mandingo turn as Mede, the African slave, after all. I originally didn't want to do it but now I think I must ..................
It took me all of the 1970's and 80's to finally get a VHS copy of "Mandingo". Waited and waited. Ken Norton had the most beautiful booty in the whole wide world. And that's a fact.
Thank you, Corey. The jock strap photo has me in tears of unattainable desire...but I'll be at the liquor store in 25 minutes. I'll be all right.
Have a good weekend.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | October 21, 2011 at 05:58 PM
Derrick, I saw Mandingo as a very young child WITH MY PARENTS at the drive-in. (Do they still have those?). I've never forgotten the things I saw in that movie. Wow! What an awakening! I guess it was no surprise that, soon after, I started collecting pictures of Ken Norton and hiding them under my bed. I'm not even sure I knew exactly for what reason. BUT I DO NOW!
I'm told that if anyone wants to see the whole movie UNCUT that they must now find the American VHS version because the more recent DVD releases are quite edited.
All this talk about Ken Norton's booty and Mandingo has gotten me all riled up. I swear I didn't want to treat the brotha the way the did in the movie but as a weekend treat to both you and myself, I'm going to post that gorgeous booty up in the text to reveal the FULL GLORY OF KEN NORTON UCUT AND UNEDITED!
C.
Posted by: Corey | October 21, 2011 at 07:11 PM
MY MY MY MY MY MY MY MY MY MY MY MY MY MY MY MY MY MY MY MY MY MY MY MY....................................(breathe)........................MY MY MY MY MYMYMY MYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMY.......
Posted by: TheRevKev | October 21, 2011 at 11:17 PM
Never looked @ mr Norton this way before...i feel cheated. Thank you for opening my eyes
Posted by: Martini | October 23, 2011 at 02:04 AM
I have Mandingo and DVD and honey there are no words to describe how much I love the movie. From Ken Norton's masculine pulchritude (and equally beautiful booty) to Ms. Blanche's over the top theatrics! LOL I love it!
Corey I love your blog so much! It is sooo VINTAGE! :0)
Posted by: PrinceToddyEnglish | February 07, 2012 at 01:36 PM