Larry Holmes decisions Cassius Clay.

Of course it doesn't really mean anything,
But Ali fought (6) undefeated fighters in his career.
His record vs. them 3-3-0 (2 KO's)

 

Yes, defeating Floyd Patterson was a good solid mark.
But, Floyd was hurt entering that bout (bad back), and everyone knew it.
Damn, the poor guy was getting therapy in between rounds.
Give Floyd his kudos, the guy refused to cancel the bout, in fear of not
getting a shot at Ali later.

When Patterson asked for a postponement, he was told if he cancelled, he would be left off the Ali list.

 

Not the Floyd Patterson who fought Ali in 11/65.

After Floyd's back was healed, 10 months later he crushed Henry Cooper
in 4 rounds.
Now that Floyd Patterson was one hell of a fighter.
He did something to Ol 'Enry that Ali couldn't do in (2) fights and 11 rounds.
Put him down and out.

 

Patterson, Norton and Shavers are all pretty equal in overall skills.
Each had a strength and each had a weakness.

Lets see;
Patterson beats Machen
Machen beats Quarry
Quarry beats Shavers
Shavers beats Norton
Norton beats Ali
Ali beats Patterson
Patterson beats Johannsen
Johannsen beats Patterson
and on and on...............

 

I have nothing against Ali.
He was the best, 'The Greatest'.
But some of those early defenses, come on.
And beating up a Floyd Patterson with a bad back and refusing to allow him
to postpone the fight until June 66' (6-7 months), so his back would heal.
Patterson was told, if you cancel the bout, your out.

And you knock Ken Norton as not being skilled. The guy chased Ali for 39 rounds, and
Ali never made him take a step backwards.