The late 60s and early 70's Ed Parker the father of American Kenpo held tournaments in Long Beach. Right after Mr. Norris became the national champion, he went to the Long Beach invitational. Mr. Parker gave him a pass to only compete for the championship of the tournamnet. Several of the competitors asked Mr. Parker if Mr. Norris would be allowed to compete with everyone else. After a few minutes discussion Mr. Parker and Mr. Norris agreed he should compete just as any other fighter would. Mr. Norris still won, but it gave everyone a chance to get into the ring with him.
Oh, and Mr. Wallace had been to a few of these also.
Sportsmanship and personal honor, wow these things are almost gone today.