I personally think Patterson deals with him without much issue, but I understand people have different opinions regarding how much boxing has evolved and maybe some think the footage quality takes away from what we can fully make of them, but it just depends on how much it takes away from how we can judge them. Who wins this matchup?
I think Jeffries runs over Patterson, too durable, huge and accurate with his punching. If Floyd uses his feet and movement chances are he makes Jeffries look like a glacier with his speed but I still think Jeffries’ body punching eventually slows Patterson down and wears him out for a late finish
Winnable but dangerous fight for Floyd but not an optimal matchup for him. I'm going against my usual grain here and I think it plays out sort of like Melankomas stated.
Per the reports, Jeffries could be easily outboxed, hurt and rocked by guys like Fitz and Corbett. Patterson had the skills and power, at the least, to do same and Floyd also threw his power shots in blinding combinations. Jeffies only path to victory, imo, would be to outlast Patterson - and he’d need at least the old school route - 20-25 rounds to have any hope of doing so.
Patterson easy. Too fast, too dynamic, too well-conditioned, too skilled. Jeffries was a strong plodder. A prime Patterson could not be worn down by Jeff, and for all his strength Jeff wasn't a kayo puncher.
Ruleset, ruleset, ruleset!! Under "modern" rules? 10 rounds? Patterson coasts by a solid decision 85/15 odds. 12 rounds? Similar but I'll lower it to 80/20odds. 15 rounds? 70/30 Under Jeffries rules? 20 rounds? 45/55 in favor of Jeffries. Patterson best be slick at all times to win this and must never get caught in clinches, lest he gets Kayo'd while trying to combat Jeffs grappling... 25 rounds? 65/35 for Jeffries. You can see where this goes from here. Ruleset matters.
Sawed-off, no skilled wharfbrawler gave Jeffries all he could handle over 45 rounds. Fast twitch, hyper-balanced, fastest heavy ever Patterson destroys Jeffries in a matter of a few rounds, leaves him a quivering mess in the fetal position.
I do not believe peak Jeffries beats a single lineal champ, claimant or elite fighter from the eras after his. And hes only got a shot at a few on the basis of size alone. Patterson is the best 6 ft sub 200 pounder after Gene Tunney. Pattersons experience in the 60s really underscored what a monster he was. Jeffries on the other hands out here almost losing 25 round decisions to Tom Sharkey. Jeffries was dominant in the sense he beat everyone in his time and ruled a long time he wasn't dominant in terms of actually dominating.
I don't think it would ever go that far. Jeffries would be the one to be worn out, and within the 15-round distance.
