Floyd Patterson vs 80s HW division.

That’s a good thing to contend to, but balance or not , those knock downs were initiated by getting hit with punches - a problem that would only be amplified in a division of bigger and harder hitting men

 

We’re not in disagreement. I just don’t think Floyd gets enough respect around here. I’ve said that often and I contend it’s a combination of resentment over D’Amato’s shenanigans … which did Floyd no favors and I don’t think he needed to do … him crapping the bed twice against Liston who IMO is a top 10 ATG and, yes, the fact he was on the deck so much.

 

He was visibly wobbled by McNeeley & looked a bit shaken when he went down vs. Harris IMO.

 

Conceded, you’ll note I didn’t try to say he could take punches like Ali or the other iron chin types. It was a mixture of the two issues.

He absolutely got popped some times but also IMO because of his in and out style there were times where he was not solidly set during the “out” phases.

 

His resume as a champion and hall of famer probably has more ups and downs than anyone else’s. On paper he was an Olympic gold medalist, youngest man of his day to become heavyweight champ and the first to regain the title upon losing it. All of the above are things he deserves acknowledgement for.

But under closer examination, he won that title vacantly by beating a highly aged opponent who the previous champ had already dispatched decisively. He regained the title by first losing it to a man who might not have beaten any other reigning champion. And lastly he was protected probably more than any other champion we can think of. In fact he is the only heavyweight champion whoever gave a title shot to a debuting opponent and still got decked in the process.

 

Acknowledged. But I will say again, the Patterson of 1966-72 was a superior fighter to the Patterson that held the title.

 

Possibly yes. Definitely more seasoned and perhaps even a little stronger.

 

He would have trouble fighting the big guys back to back. He could definitely win some, but would struggle against the good world class fighters that are bigger, modern sized heavies.

 

The factor that could potentially work for him was simple work ethic. He put in the hours & lived the life - his bigger, stronger opposition here didn’t.

 

Years ago I suggested on here that Gerry Cooney might beat him and some thought I was nuts

 

That’s an exciting fight.

 

Floyd is one guy who was prepared and in shape every time he stepped into the ring, no matter how the fight turned out.

I’ll always treasure that in his last fight, against Ali, before it was stopped on cuts, Floyd threw the last punch and connected with it.

 

It would certainly help to offset the size & power risks he faces. I think he may or may not rise up in the 1980’s.

 

I agree, but IMO not a "warrior" and not a guy who couldn't be intimidated by a bigger fighter (Sonny, nuff said). All the guys listed above were much bigger and I think they wear him out just like Sonny did. Remember, Cus "managed" him away from the likes of Sonny as long as he could. I think the 80's fare similarly for him. Not saying those guys are Sonny's caliber, but I think their size and strength eventually wear Floyd out. Not as devastatingly as Sonny did, but eventually. JMO.

 

It's a new day for reason here on BF24... Unless we're talking about Marciano.