1968 A better match-up for Buster Mathis, instead of the 'freight-train' named 'Smokin' Joe Frazier. The 1968 Floyd Patterson, 'still a name', and capable of putting up a good fight with many of the Top 10 Heavyweights. While the WBA had their version of a Champion (Jimmy Ellis), and the New York State Athletic Commission had their version lined up with #1 'Smokin' Joe Frazier, a new organization attemted to get in view. The BCI - Boxing Championship International (Sweden-based). A fight for the 'new' Championship, set for March 1968, and in Stockholm, Sweden. #1 - Buster Mathis, 24 1/2 year-old, 6' 3" and 245 lbs. - 23-0-0 (17 KO's) vs. #2 - Floyd Patterson, 33 year-old, 6' 0" and 195 lbs. - 46-6-1 (35 KO's) Floyd, a popular figure in Sweden, would be the overwhelming crowd favorite. Buster Mathis with his size and mass, was listed as a 2-1 betting-favorite. An 'intriguing bout', as the question is asked; Can Buster Mathis really fight, and does the still physically-fit Floyd Patterson have anything left..?
Never heard about this? BCI crap, I'm sure for good reason. It's the multi-bodies that have sunk boxing and elavated the UFC to a more popular status. Senor? Did you really want multi-body quasi-champs as early as the 60's? Terrell's WBA title was bad enough along with the subsequent WBA tourney and Joe's ''5-state'' title in 68! To get back to your thread....Mathis could not knock out Floyd and Floyd would have simply outworked him en route to a wide UD at that time.
I would lean opposite,,,,,, Buster in 1968, was a much better boxer with faster hands. His size and mass, would wear the 33 year-old Floyd down and stop him by a TKO in 10. His chin was better, and the confidence level was higher.
