Too hard of a call for me, Patterson was well past his prime in the 60s. Aged like milk due to the Liston thrashings. I'd still install him as the favorite, by KO
Patterson still got good work in after the Liston fights and really should have won his third title but for robbery. I’d pick Patterson.
Liston, old as he was at that point, was ahead of Leotis in their bout and looked to be heading for the decision. The ko was impressive but I don't think he would have caught Floyd with it, Patterson by dec., possibly late stoppage.
Patterson turns in a good, dominant performance via unanimous decision...with Martin possibly hanging on for dear life near the end of the fight.
I think Patterson has a real good shot vs. Liston circa 68-70. Patterson would be too much for Martin. I'm a bit surprised at Martin's rise to the top the ratings for kayoing Liston. The Martin-Liston bout says more about much Liston had slipped than it does about the ability of Martin (who was losing up until the knockout).
He seemed to age exceptionally well to me. Even in 1972 when he fought Bonavena and ended up retiring, they were still talking about him as having the fastest hands in the heavyweight division.
