Both men were trained by D'Amato, so we will keep that aspect in place. Let's play the thought experiment, of combining Floyd Patterson's mental attributes, with Mike Tyson's physical attributes. That is a powerful combination, but still an imperfect one. How does it turn out?
The physical is Mike, so I'll assume it's Patterson's brain in Mike's body, in Mike's era. If Mike's schedule is more or less followed, I can easily see, with some variations in rounds, etc., Floyd's brain coming into the Douglas fight undefeated, as Mike was. And I think Floyd's brain gets past the motivated Douglas by decision. Then I think he beats Tillman, Stewart, and Ruddock twice. At 42-0, Mike, with Floyd's brain, probably didn't get himself in a position where he goes to prison, so the story dramatically changes from there. I assume he would have planned to fight about 3 times a year between 1992 and 1994, so that's 9 more fights. Those might have included, in 1992, Michael Moorer (likely another win), Tony Tucker again (another win there), and Riddick Bowe (likely a hard fought and close decision win). I would say, in 1993, he would start out with Oliver McCall (likely another decision win), Michael Bentt (likely another win). Then somebody like Herbie Hide (a win). So, at 48-0, talk of Marciano's 49-0 starts to surface. But it's not to be, because, in early 1994 it's Lennox Lewis, and, after an early scare, Lennox comes on late and wins the decision, and that ends the undefeated run at 48-1.
I don't see a great improvement. In fact it might be worse. Tyson was never going to be a boxer, and his mean killer attitude was optimized for his body. His own style, at his best, was refined and drilled to as close to perfection as it could be. How is having Patterson running the ship going to improve it?
Floyd had a bit of the killer in him - but not to the degree of the bad intentions that an angry young Mike Tyson took into the ring. Mike’s successes were very much fuelled by his anger and penchant for violence channeled through a disciplined skill set. It would be interesting enough though if Floyd added 20-25 lbs to his actual frame without compromise to his speed and athleticism. A terrific P4P hitter, Floyd conceivably could have carried even more power with greater body weight.
Well I think it’s possible he gets to 50-0 as he was meant to and retires a significantly poorer but more respected champion and man. Floyd Patterson the great.
He goes farther undefeated, but he's dropping at least one loss when he has to get through the murderer's row of Holyfield, Bowe, and Lewis. He's not making 50-0 with those three around.
The only difference between Floyd Patterson's brain in Mike Tyson's body is that Patterson was not so co dependent on Cus D Amato as Mike was., Floyd employed other ringwise cornermen. If that is the case this version of Mike would have had maturity and adult sense on his side, no Robyn Givens, No mother in law Ruth Roper, Desiree Washington and most of all the wisdom to not employee Leeches into his corner like the real Mike did. This new version also liked to train and prepare for his opponents, not go carousing for Japanese Street Walker's. Coupled with a sloid body, strength and a solid chin, this version of Mike could have possibly reigned for a much longer time without losing his prime at a tender age of 23.
