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I did say probably not.

 

Kenny s the guy to do it.

 

In Floyd Patterson's title reign from 1956-1959, 1960-1962, I can name a few from that era, Eddie Machen, I know that these two actually fought on July 5 1964, but Machen was past his fighting time by then, he spent time in a mental institution. Ernie Terrell, he was WBA Champion from March 5 1965 until his lopsided loss in a title unification title match against Muhammad Ali on Feb 6 1967. And lastly, Cleveland Big Cat Williams in 1962, did you hear that Cholk? Patterson declined an offer to challenge Terrell in 1965, instead he opted for a title bout against champion Muhammad Ali on Nov 22 1965. Williams did kayo Terrell in April 1962 by KO 7, Cleveland was shot by a Texas State Trooper on Nov 30 1964 after being told that he was going to fight Terrell on March 5 1965 for the vacant WBA title.

 

A good choice but remember Ken Norton had difficulty in his title eliminator bout against Jimmy Young on Nov 5 1977, Norton won by a split decision. Floyd Patterson was much more cagey and faster than Young.

 

Your right on there Richard. I always see the two, Ken and Floyd as similar in the way they had heart, but their chins sometimes let em down.

 

How true, both Ken and Floyd had difficulty with heavy handed fighters.

 

Probably Ray Mercer and Henry Akinwande (I do not recognize the WBO belt), I think Kirk Johnson would have a hell of a shot, and Ike Ibeabuci.

You could probably make a case for David izon as well.

 

Like everyone said, I think numerous fighters during and following Patterson's title reign could've fought the same line up as Patterson himself. Patterson is my favorite fighter of all time. It is easy to make a thread arguing who else could have done what Patterson did. It is just as valuable though to recognize the attributes of Patterson that worked in spite of him achieving all that he was able to.

Where Patterson deviated from all these men is longevity. Patterson showed up as a consistently competitive force throughout the entire 20 years of his career. Patterson was competitive and successful for his illustrious career that spanned 20 damn years. Yes other fighters have had careers just as long, or even longer but Patterson didn't diminish unlike many of those other men. And at least Patterson knew when to hang up his gloves, after his final defeat against Ali. The same cannot be said for Quarry, Shavers, Cooney, Ruddock, who all made ill advised comes backs at the least (Cooney did not deserve Spinks or Foreman). Patterson never came back because his career was more than cemented, his resume was not defined by one or two names like many of the men you listed.

 

Floyd Patterson was a great champion and human being. Great Post.