Floyd Patterson’s comeback in 1970

It is interesting to note that at the time of Patterson's last fight, he was rated #3 contender by Ring Magazine, behind champion Joe Frazier and contenders #1 Muhammad Ali and #2 George Foreman. Of those who held victories over him, only Ali was both active and rated higher. Joey Maxim and Ingo were long since retired. Jerry Quarry had retired the previous June after his defeat by Ali, even though he would later come back. Jimmy Ellis was no longer a top contender. And Sonny Liston was almost two years deceased.

Even at the age of 37 in 1972 he was still good enough to win the decision over Bonavena. It was a close fight, and Ringo scored a knockdown. Bonavena himself may have seen better days but he was still a rated contender and dangerous. And he was winning rounds in the Ali fight before it was stopped on a cut. One judge had the fight even after six rounds. I have always felt that a bout between Patterson and Ali should have been competitive, given that they are two of the fastest heavyweights ever. I have to believe that Floyd's 1965 fight with Ali would not have been so one-sided without the back problems he experienced then. It is regrettable that the 1972 fight had to be stopped on a cut - it would have been interesting to see how it might have unfolded had it went the limit.

 

Great post.

Floyd was 37 when he rematched Ali but he looked in tremendous shape and if he was any slower than his prime, it wasn’t notable.

Floyd actually hit Muhammad with some excellent and powerful combos which I believe Ali really felt. You’re right, too bad about the cut and resulting stoppage - interesting if it had gone on further. Ali was really laying it on Patterson but Floyd refused to go down and didn’t appear particularly hurt or out of it.

However, at barely 5’11” with a reach of 71” and being a naturally smaller man in terms of weight, Floyd was really up against v Ali. Still, Floyd’s speed and skill went a long way in negating those disadvantages.

 

Floyd Patterson first broke into the Ring Magazine end of year rankings, in 1953 at light heavyweight.

He was ranked #5 at heavyweight, in the end of year rankings in 1972.

This is an aspect to his career that sometimes gets overlooked.