Patterson is very underrated these days as a fighter IMO. All the comparisons to other heavies, discussions about size etc here have really detracted from what the man actually did, and how much of a refined, stylistic beast he was in his pomp. One of my favourite Heavyweights to watch, ever.
I'm going to create a film "Greatness- The Story of Johnny Pachek" and you will watch it and enjoy it
Care to share any memories, Crixus? Floyd, alongside Ezzard Charles, Michael Spinks and Johnny Owen is one of my favourite fighters, as much for what he was outside the ring as inside. He seemed a real gentleman.
Floyd Patterson was a great fighter and champion, he knew how to be a gracious winner and loser in the ring, He was a sterling example on how an athlete is supposed to conduct himself in front of the public, setting a good example for the youth, a positive role model. He did have terrible emotional problems in his youth but found a fatherly figure in Cus D Amato, who cultivated his talent.
He was highly skilled, however he was best suited for light heavy, or even middleweight. When he started out, he was only 165 lb. It was a testament to his ability that he could win against much larger fighters.
And his underrated courage. Takes a special kind of pair to get in the ring to rematch a guy who you know has got your number when that guy punches like Sonny Liston.
Floyd Patterson was a Great Boxer/fighter, and Ezzard Charles was a Great Boxer/fighter as will. I met Ezzard when he lived in South shore, Chicago with his wife. In fact Davey Day brought him to his Boxing Celebration Benefit Show.
I did him a small favour and a while later looked him up after going by bus up to New Paltz. Had to ask around to find out where he lived, including the bar in the film. Ended up walking along many snowy roads to find his house. He had just returned from running and was going into his gym to workout. Made us tea in a kettle there and completed training, due to fight Roger Russell. Spent the rest of the day, 8 hours,there, with himself and family, apart for a trip to his doctor. Later dropped me at the bus station. Following year after the weigh-in at the ‘72 Ali fight. We went over to his hotel, across the street, then with Mickey Allen went for a walk in Central Park, finishing with lunch at a steakhouse. Later we met up after the fight. In the lift, intrusive photographers poked their cameras, snapping his closed eye. At the after fight party, Budhini Brown was there. Floyd had to go for treatment, but returned. Last time we met was at his hotel in London for the Ruddock/Lewis fight. I found him to be extremely friendly and modest and easy to get on with. It’s great that he has so many admirers on this site.
