Floyd Patterson Appreciation Thread

Patterson is a man who’d I’d like to have seen write a book beyond boxing. A deeper reflection of himself so to speak, something philosophical.

 

Patterson in style was the proto-peak-a-boo, he had a remarkable ability to recover from knockdowns and a skilled infighter, squaring up in orthodox incorporated with his peak-a-boo style unlike Tyson, Floyd had the ability to adapt. His ring IQ was nothing to gawk at. His heart was as immeasurable as any other fighter who steps into the ring to give it their all.

Taking a stylistic and physically suicidal fight against Liston not once, but twice.

Patterson's prototype style was imperfect as it relied on him bending at the back, and a during his first fight with Ali a trapped nerve caused him immense pain with every movement and nonetheless he put up a valiant effort. Patterson was a two time heavyweight world champion and a contender for the entire remainder of his career even following the Liston fights. I wish it were more recognized that he was a competent Heavyweight among all of his contemporaries.

 

Fine man and a good champion. I'm not sold on the peekaboo style,with both hands in front of the face and your feet nearly square,it allows you to get off punches from either hand very quickly, But at the expense of a really effective jab and, when you are square you are much more vulnerable to being knocked down.Also both gloves up to the face narrows your field of vision.That said I'm not a particular fan of D'Amato's doctrine anyway.
For me Patterson proved himself after he left Cus.

 

This encapsulates why Patterson is my favorite heavyweight champion. Some people value dominance. I value perseverance.

 

That's the kind of thing I like reading. You know Patterson was working a lot of just life mentoring into it when working with those kids.

 

I think Paterson ring IQ is not so great. He had great speed and suspect chin and would have been better served with a more jab centric and counter punching style. Instead he used the Cus D'Amato style or engagement which often out him into harms way.

 

Highlights of Floyd Patterson amateur fight with Eddie Jones.

Crazy stuff.

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Floyd Patterson gets underrated these days. He was actually an excellent fighter.

 

Imagine being champion of the world and losing so disastrously against the villain of the division and having your belt taken. Then the rematch plays out the same as the first fight. These two KO’s of such a high profile fight and fighter would be enough to retire and probably break any fighter.

Patterson had no business being so successful after those losses. Not many guys can handle a single loss like that, but two back to back… the embarrassment? I can’t imagine the thumos and fortitude it took to come back from that.

his resume is a who’s who of the division. He fought strong fighters frequently for the 10 years after his reign. I love Patterson but I don’t think that’s a secret on the forum lol

 

It also greatly cripples the defensive potential of your left shoulder. I don’t believe it effects your vision the gloves are worn pressed to your jaw.

 

Patterson was too brave for his own good, I could’ve seen Archie Moore taking him out if they fought again, not likely but possible. He was never going to last long as champion he had some bangers knocking on his door, similar to Moorer he was always going to be swimming in shark water.

 

Really like that quote, but can't seem to find it - do you have the source?

Thanks!