What if Floyd Patterson had defeated Sonny Liston in 1962?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Richard M Murrieta, May 10, 2021.



  1. Richard M Murrieta

    Richard M Murrieta Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    What if Floyd Patterson had defeated Sonny Liston in 1962? Floyd was inspired by his visit at the White House with President John F. Kennedy. Would Floyd have given a title shot to Ernie Terrell, Cleveland Williams, or a title defense right away with Muhammad Ali. In the hypothetical victory over Liston, Patterson retains on points.
     
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  2. BCS8

    BCS8 VIP Member Full Member

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    I'm having a hard time imagining this.
     
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  3. swagdelfadeel

    swagdelfadeel Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    If it went the distance, Patterson in all likelihood would've retained knowing the powers that be. If he (hypothetically) was good enough to beat Liston, Williams wouldn't be a problem for him. In the real world, much as I love Patterson, Williams would've been to much imo.
     
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  4. swagdelfadeel

    swagdelfadeel Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    You to?
     
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  5. BCS8

    BCS8 VIP Member Full Member

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    If Patterson had had a great chin he'd have been in the running for being an ATG. Unfortunately fate had other plans.
     
  6. swagdelfadeel

    swagdelfadeel Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I think he was an ATG. With a better chin, he'd be in the running for top ten imo.
     
  7. Richard M Murrieta

    Richard M Murrieta Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I think that psychologically, Floyd Patterson's confidence would have hit the roof. President Kennedy would have sent for Floyd and awarded him with a medal, appointed him to a cabinet position as his brother Bobby was the Attorney General battling organized crime. But Patterson would have faced Ernie Terrell before giving Muhammad Ali a title shot in late 1963. Ali would have had to fight Cleveland Big Cat Williams first or Eddie Machen. Floyd beats Ernie on points though.
     
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  8. BCS8

    BCS8 VIP Member Full Member

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    Sorry by ATG I mean top 10. I agree he's an ATG in the larger context.
     
  9. janitor

    janitor VIP Member Full Member

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    I don't consider the premise particularly plausible.
     
  10. RulesMakeItInteresting

    RulesMakeItInteresting Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    He would've had to magically transform into 60s Ali, Joe Louis, or probably 1980 Holmes.
     
  11. Stiches Yarn

    Stiches Yarn Active Member Full Member

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    One thing that hasn't been mentioned is the fact Liston's legacy would have been badly tarnished, very badly and would have been ranked a lot lower.
     
  12. swagdelfadeel

    swagdelfadeel Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Excellent point. Those 2 wins were vital to his legacy.
     
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  13. Kamikaze

    Kamikaze Bye for now! banned Full Member

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    If Patterson had beaten Liston in the fashion he lost, he would have beat every man he faced.
     
  14. swagdelfadeel

    swagdelfadeel Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Yeah that's make makes this so confusing.
     
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  15. HolDat

    HolDat Well-Known Member Full Member

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    So he'd basically be Holyfield.
     
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