Following his victory over Muhammad Ali in 'The Fight of the Century' Joe took time off to tour with his 'musical revue' 'Smokin Joe and the Knockouts' Then a January 15, 1972 fight versus SMU pre-law student, turned Heavyweight boxer, Terry Daniels. But other fighters, besides Muhammad Ali were hoping for a shot at the Championship. Floyd Patterson, actually was interested in a bout for 1972. The 37 year-old Patterson had just finished winning a 10-Round decision over Oscar Bonavena. Floyd stated that he wasn't quite ready yet, and would like to get a little better before tangling with Joe Frazier. Floyd who had 8-straight victories, was actually in line if wanted a shot. Floyd picked up a nice pay-day at Madison Square Garden for his win over Bonavena,,,,,,,,Floyd took home $162,000.
Joe dropped off pretty quick. I'd compare it to Langford's deterioration after Johnson lost the title. He lost interest a bit, his training suffer, his intensity fell off. For a fighter of that kind to lose even his top 1% is pretty severe.
The proverbial ball was in Floyd's court. He could have had the fight in 1972, anytime he wanted. Madison Square Garden was pushing for it. And though Floyd wasn't really impressive versus Oscar Bonavena, it was Floyd who was actually pushing the Argentinian Bull around in the last 2-rounds. Not sure on the fight purse angle. Think Joe Frazier wanted $1,000,000 plus 25% of the 'live gate'. Floyd Patterson wanted $250,000, plus 15% of the 'live gate'. The fighters were offered $1,000,000 in total, to be split which ever way they negotiated. It sure would have been a better mark on Smokin Joe's list than Ron Stander.
Joes white whale was always Ali. Once he defeated Ali that fire and drive was blunted. Even a faded joe is a bad matchup for Floyd.
mm, If anything, I'm sure Joe Frazier wouldn't budge on the fight purse. Because he was waiting for $3,000,000 for an Ali II fight. Plus, with the marginal tax-rate laws, fighting again in 1972 woudn't have put any more money in Joe's pocket. I'm sure Floyd would have wanted a guarantee of at least $250,000.
