1972, A 37 year-old Floyd Patterson vs. Joe Bugner a 22 year-old up-n-comer. Would the former 2-time champion have enough skills and stamina to out-last the European new star over 12-Rounds. In 1972, Patterson still proved he was no easy walk-over, and he was in excellent shape at 190 lbs. Wins over Oscar Bonavena and Pedro Agosto in 1972, did prove that Patterson was worthy of a Top 10 Wolrd Ranking.
An interesting matchup..don't know why it never happened. i think Floyd would have won a decision over Joe. A late knockdown scored by Floyd would be the difference, though I'm sure that Bugner would have given him problems and would have shaken him up a few times. i just think Floyd's handspeed and ability to crack would have edged the best Bugner had.
I think its a hard fight with both men having to give their bests, but i think Floyds skill wins him the decison
Bugner would just be glad to be in a big fight, and as long as he went the distance he would not care about the result... Sadly he never really did. It would not of crossed Bugner's mind, that he actually could of won the fight if fully focused.
Did Joe Bugner ever win a fight when he stepped up? I know he compiled a few euro titles, but that is something else. Every big name beat him, even an over the hill Ron Lyle.
Good calls so far, In 1972, Floyd was still regarded as a Top 5 fighter by Ring Magazine. As for Jozsef Bugner, he had just cracked the Top 10. Joe's height would have presented a bit of a problem for Floyd, but he was effective in modifying his style to overcome some obstacles. I think Floyd's superior skills would have been enough for him to earn a 12-Round decision over Bugner, who was still having problems with his non-aggressive style.
The previous year, Joe Bugner barely won a very unpopular decision against Henry Cooper. In 1972 I believe Floyd Patterson had enough left to win a comfortable decision over Bugner.
Obviously I'm a big Floyd fan, my childhood hero. There was no reason they would have fought in 72; the one poster said "why did this not happen?" Easy, Floyd was on the downside of his career and wanted nothing more than a rematch with Ali. To do that, he had to score a win over a top contender (Oscar). To be honest, a 72 Bugner may have jabbed and hugged his way to a decision over a 37 yr. old Floyd but, as fighters, only one merits HOF consideration.
