Should Max Baer be ranked above Patterson as a HW ?

It rather depends what you like.

 

No way.

 

No

 

In terms of consistency they ae about as far apart as you can get.

As I have pointed out in other threads, Patterson was in the Ring end of year rankings, in more years than any other heavyweight champion in history.

This is remarkable given his size and style, and means he must have been surprisingly successful at avoiding taking damage.

If Patterson lost, it was because he was fighting a peer.

Baer had a habit of losing to men who should have been an easy nights work.

Although he enjoyed an Indian summer late in his career, he never achieved anything approaching Patterson's longevity.

So what happens if they fight?

Baer destroys Patterson.

What if Baer has an off night?

He probably still connects at some point.

Could Patterson have beaten Schmeling and Carnera back to back, in order to win the title?

Highly unlikely in my opinion.

 

In terms of pure achievement, Floyd Patterson should rate higher. Who wins head to head ? That’s a little bit harder to answer

 

I don't find that very hard to answer.

 

I rank Patterson above Baer. That said, Max Baer would be a dangerous opponent for Patterson. He's bigger and stronger and had a better chin than Johannson and hit AT LEAST as hard as Johannson.

 

There it is. I rank only on achievements, so there’s no doubt Patterson stands taller. Whether he would win a fight with Baer is less sure…

 

Patterson’s reign was weak because D’Amato coddled and handpicked … absurdly weak opposition …. His post title achievements were mostly more impressive despite the fact he was past his physical prime. I’m no big fan of Baer as a fighter but he wouldn’t be a great stylistic matchup either.

 

Do you favor Patterson that strongly? I wouldn't completely count Baer out.

 

Short answer: no. Long answer: noooooooooooo.