Floyd Patterson 'Oh, My Achin Back' 11/22/65

Floyd Patterson,

It was revealed, that Floyd Patterson was hiding a 'chronic back problem'
upon entering his bout with Cassius Clay on November 22, 1965.

Though he was asked several times by the Nevada State Boxing Commission,
Floyd denied having any problems.

After the bout, the New York Times vehemently wrote about Floyd entering
the bout incapable of properly defending himself, and unable to deliver any quality punches.

'Floyd should not have entered the ring, and cancelled the bout. But he was so concerned
about being dismissed as a heavyweight championship challenger in the future, that he
momentarily grabbed the spotlight, and felt the need to satisfy contractual obligations.'

 

Referee, Harry Krausse

'I knew this was going to be a difficult fight to referee. I knew that sooner or later
I was going to have to decide whether to stop it. Floyd was grimacing in the 4th Round,
and I knew he was having muscle spasms in his back. I didn't want to see him absorb
any heavy punishment, and if it was up to me, I would have told him to quit and
come back another day. But he had so much pride, he just wouldn't do it.'

'Clay on the other hand, had the great jab going, but he couldn't put Floyd away.
I wanted to tell him, to come on and hit Floyd and lets get out of here. But he
didn't have that kind of power, and it was getting pathetic.'

 

After the bout,

Floyd Patterson;

"Ive had problems with my back for a week, since last Monday. I was examined by
a specialist, who told me to rest it for 10-days. I told him I had a boxing match in
a week, and he just looked at me and said that I was crazy.'

"I really had nothing after the 4th Round, but I still tried. Cassius is very fast, and
he has a long reach, and with my injury I just didn't have the quickness to take
advantage of any openings.'

 

November 23, 1965

Oakland Tribune,

Time and again, after each round, Patterson's cornerman would lift Floyd up off the
canvas, in an attempt to stretch out his aching back. Floyd was experiencing severe
pain in the lower spinal area, and nothing his corner did helped.

Referee Harry Krausse, asked Floyd to end it, but the prideful ex-champion would not,
as if to say give me one more round.

During this time, the Convention Center spectators cheered Floyd in his courageous
effort, as he had no answer for the young Champion Clay.

On the other hand, the crowd had no tollerance for the cocky champion, as Clay was
boo'ed at every moment in the ring, in his corner, and upon leaving the ring, and
walking down the aisles after the bout.'

 

Jim Murray......... Los Angeles Times

After watching the Clay vs Patterson bout.

'It was like watching a house painter paint a white house, white.'

"It was a bore"

 

Referee, Harry Krausse,

'I wanted to stop it during the 11th Round, because it was hurting
me to watch, but Floyd is a good boy and he has a great heart, and
I just couldn't do it.'

'Clay was saying to him "Come on White American, Hit me White American".
I allowed him to get away with it for one round, then I said to him
"Cut that **** out, enough already". He looked at me as if to say, Hey
I can do whatever I want, but he looked in my eyes and knew I meant
business.'

'I walked over to his corner after one of the rounds, and I said, "You box and
keep your mouth shut". He looked at me like a little kid, and said, "OK Mr. Krausse".