Could Jimmy Ellis and Floyd Patterson have been ATG's at light-heavyweight?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by dmt, Jun 20, 2025.


  1. dmt

    dmt Hardest hitting hw ever Full Member

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    if they could make weight and stay there?
     
    dmt, Jun 20, 2025
    dmt, Jun 20, 2025
    #1
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  2. Greg Price99

    Greg Price99 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Yes, especially Patterson.
     
    Greg Price99, Jun 21, 2025
    Greg Price99, Jun 21, 2025
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  3. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    Imagine Patterson at 168? He's still be very fast and he'd be breaking ribs, caving in faces. It's a terrifying thought.
     
    McGrain, Jun 21, 2025
    McGrain, Jun 21, 2025
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  4. SolomonDeedes

    SolomonDeedes Active Member Full Member

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    Possibly, but Patterson made the light heavyweight limit for the last time when he was 20 - an age when other famous heavyweights like Jack Johnson, Max Schmeling and Evander Holyfield were also under the limit. From his mid-twenties onward, he was a solid 190 lbs. He may well have still been capable of sweating down to 175, but there's no strong reason to believe he would have been effective at the weight.

    There was a rumour in 1973 that the 38 year old Patterson was trying to get down to 175 to challenge for Bob Foster's title, but nothing came of it.
     
    SolomonDeedes, Jun 21, 2025
    SolomonDeedes, Jun 21, 2025
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  5. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    Patterson, absolutely.
    Ellis would be a solid contender.
     
    Fergy, Jun 21, 2025
    Fergy, Jun 21, 2025
    #5
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