At the time of the bout, the last time a heavyweight champion had lost the title by decision was Max Baer to Jimmy Braddock, 41 years earlier. The January 1998 issue of Boxing Monthly listed Ali-Norton as the fifth most disputed title fight decision in boxing history. The unofficial United Press International scorecard was 8–7 for Norton, and the unofficial Associated Press scorecards were 9–6 for Ali (Ed Schuyler), and 8–7 Norton (Wick Temple).
At the time of the bout the last time a heavyweight champion had lost the title by decision was Max Baer to Jimmy Braddock 41 years earlier The January 1998 issue of Boxing Monthly listed Ali-Norton as the fifth most disputed title fight decision in boxing history The unofficial United Press International scorecard was 8–7 for Norton and the unofficial Associated Press scorecards were 9–6 for Ali (Ed Schuyler) and 8–7 Norton (Wick Temple)