How good was Floyd Patterson?

Won a gold at the Olympics at middleweight. Used his speed and tremendous heart to become the world heavyweight champion.

I don't think he was really scared of anyone. How did he celebrate getting knocked out in one by Liston? For his first fight back he got knocked out in one by Liston. I read an article that said he wanted a third fight. Crazy or brave?

Adding on, could have probably been a candidate for best light heavyweight of all time had he stayed at that weight, but most would agree his career (and bank account in terms of fight purses) worked out just fine.

I have him just inside my top 20 heavyweights of all-time if im just thinking about it but it's been a while since I've deeply considered a top 20 list so he could be out of it.

Very interesting guy based on the articles and interviews I read about him. He was embarrassed by his losses to the point he would wear disguises when he left the arena but then would turn around and fight the guy who just beat him by KO the next fight.

 

My favorite heavyweight ever, a good and decent man and a quality fighter whose legacy is tarnished because of the two debacles against Liston, Cus D'Amato's shenanigans with his early career and the fact that he had an issue staying on his feet. I've maintained here that he was a better fighter overall when he was old than when he was young. Probably would rank historically higher if he'd gotten the two decisions over Quarry that IMO he deserved instead of a loss and a draw, and if it weren't for the abject, criminal highway robbery against Ellis. Top 25, argument can be made for Top 20.

 

Arguably the fastest hands among the top heavies. A very good fighter who was unfortunate to come along in the era of Ali,Frazier,Liston etc. Would have made an excellent cruiserweight had that division been in existence while Floyd was fighting. I rate him between 20 - 25 in all time heavy list.

 

Excellent post. You left out he became the first heavyweight to regain the title after losing it, a feat which eluded the likes of Dempsey, and Louis.

Also was ranked in the top every year from '54 to '72 (except '69 and '70 because he didn't fight those 2 years barring one fight) and beat a multitude of ranked contenders, more than some champions including Foreman.

He's definitely an ATG at heavyweight in my opinion, but probably not in my top ten. Probably top 15, and a lock for 20.

 

Easy for me to say now, but I definitely thought about that, lol.

I mean what a remarkable run to be in the top 10 that long.

 

Sure you did.

Just kidding. I've always remembered you as an honest poster, so I've no doubt you're being truthful.

I agree. Unmatched longevity.

 

He had one of the least satisfactory reigns as heavyweight champ. He led the way in contributing to boxing's stagnation during those days. I was young but aware during those years and I refuse to ignore those facts now.

 

Did he personally lead the way, or did he simply make the mistake of trusting Cus D’Amato, who I always thought might have been a few bricks shy of his full allotment and while not as mortally evil as they were was just as negative for the sport as his enemies Frankie and Blinky?

 

I don't believe any man born of a woman who was literally the exact same height, with literally the exact same weight and the exact same reach could beat him in his prime, without being one hell of a puncher. And from a weird country. ...at cruiserweight. With a same-day weigh-in.

 

(furtive side-to-side eye movement)

 

Top 20 in heavyweight history, top 3 in having class, character ,and dignity as heavyweight champion.

 

A great fighter, a greater man.

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Seemed like a nice guy. Wasn't afraid to say how he felt about Ali, "He didn't call me by my right name, so why I should I do the same?". I give him credit for that.

 

Very good . Just off great . Fast ,hard hitting ! Clever boxer . Brave as hell