Why Couldn't Patterson Get Beyond Round One With Liston?

Do you mean he was a heavy with modern help?

 

As I already told you he did just fine against Ellis in a title fight.

 

Wasn’t a real title fight though. Only the WBA while Ali was in exile. The match was in Sweden away from the pressures of America. I do think Floyd won it though.

 

Even Aged 22 Evander was still 176lb having his fourth pro fight.

 

I hear you i just think we got our wires mildly crossed.

He was a natural cruiser for mine.

 

So now fighting in America had something to do with it as well? And it has to be the undisputed title? The goal posts keep getting moved, until your statement can't possible be disproven. Convenient.

Just because it's so hard to admit that Liston steamrolled Floyd like he did because he was still in his prime.

 

BOOM!

 

I don’t have a problem with Sonny steamrolling Floyd. He would have beat Floyd at any point. I’m just presenting an opinion as to why I think Floyd couldn’t get out of the first round both times. a psychological explanation.

 

Well, I see no basis for it and it's so specific (only undisputed title and only in USA) that one could believe it's to make it impossible to disprove.

 

How else can one explain a guy not getting out of the first round both times against the same guy if a big part of the reason behind it wasn’t psychological?

what if Floyd subconsciously couldn’t cope with the thought of being champion again, defending a title? It’s one thing being a contender aiming for the title but the pressure of being the champion with everyone aiming at you is something not often talked about or understood. Floyd had been there before, and he was quite sensitive. It could be a factor that he had spent whatever focus was required in that department.

 

Edit

 

Yes that's it. Floyd didn't want to win the fight. I mean who wants to regain the heavyweight title of the world? Nobody! It's boxing 101.

 

Well, I've already given my take. Styles and that Liston is just too big and too good.

Floyd said he felt nervous and tense in the rematch, and Ali admitted he was scared btw, and maybe he would have gotten out of the first round if he was totally relaxed, but nerves wasn't his big problem with Liston. The big problem was that Liston was just too big and good, especially for someone with Floyd's style.

 

Lol, i know it sounds crazy. But what if subconsciously he wanted to win the fight, but was afraid of the thought of being a being a defending champion again? In those days, the 1960s, being the heavyweight champion came with quite a lot of baggage and responsibilities. Probably more than now.. Setting examples etc. They were under scrutiny. Criminal links, the IBC, stance on civil rights etc etc. And Floyd was a shy kind of character. Who knows what personal stone might be overturned..

I can’t pretend to know what went on in Floyd Patterson’s head. These are only theories. He was the “victory over myself” guy.

 

Sometimes the simple answer is the right one.