Despite his two devastating losses at the hands of Sonny Liston, Floyd Patterson aged very well as a contender, and performed at a very high level late in his career. He went on to beat Oscar Bonavena after Sonny Liston's loss to Leotis Martin, and his last fight against Chuck Wepner. My question is, could there eventually have come a time when Patterson prevailed? The time line doesn't quite mesh perfectly for it, with Patterson coming off a year of inactivity when Liston last fought, so I am going to tweak the timeline a bit. Lets say that Patterson gets the decision against Jimmy Ellis in 68, and that sets him up for a meeting with the Liston of the Leotis Martin fight in 69, with the winner promised a shot at Frazier?
I do see your meaning, especially because Patterson's chin improved as he got older and put on weight. And if Ali could knock Liston down later on, then why not Patterson? Still, it would just be so surreal.
Unfortunately I think Liston beats Floyd every time unless Floyd adapts his style or gets on his bicycle to try and tire Liston out. Floyd's crouch was getting him killed. Every time Floyd would go into his crouch Liston would tear up his body and then started laying into Floyd with uppercuts. I can see why Cus D'Amato tried to keep Floyd from Liston.
Yes ,Floyd did age well and seemed more sturdy as he went on .But facing Liston would have always ended much the same way I believe. Floyd would always have those two awful losses to Sonny in the back of his mind going in ,it would affect Patterson that he went out so fast twice. I fear a third match ends the same .
Interesting that both fighters had some later career fights in Sweden....after their 2 fight original Championship Series. In a 3rd fight, if Patterson can actually hurt Liston early...Floyd might win. But if he can't, being it is a 15 rd fight, Liston wins in 8 rounds..in a TKO with Floyd still standing.
I would like the poster promoting the fight! “This time it isn’t personal!” , “Floyd has a chance, Sonny is dead!”, or “A fight to lose all their marbles against Frazier!”
The fight wouldnt even be sanctioned and if it was, only the cruelest blood thirsty fans or fringe liston fans would pay to see it. Even with an adjustment of the time line, people have to remember liston was heavily critcized and black balled and accused of quitting. They would have to sell the fight somewhere like Japan or some lesser known European country. It definitely couldnt be a main event, no promoter would be interested unless it was a stacked card. At any rate, pattersons main issues were psychological. He hated being embarrased and was terrified and intimidated by liston after losing twice. I dont think it goes past the 3rd round even if were talking about an alcoholic unenthusiastic liston going through the motions. Pattersons style was all wrong for this opponent and he was too old to learn a new way or try new tricks. Theres a 5% chance he simply fights in survival mode using tight defense, fast head movement, and an incredibly low punch output to go the distance and lose a narrow decision because liston was the constant aggressor. But patterson actually winning a clear decision or by knockout? Never in a million years unless liston is bribed. Some guys just have your number.
OK lets say that Liston lives for another two years, and continues to drink himself silly? Does there come a point where Patterson can square the circle eventually?
But more seriously, yes. Patterson's far healthier living habits would catch up with Liston eventually
"H-hey ref, i coulda swore he twitched just now, you sure he's dead? F all that noise, ill throw in the towel myself". Patterson would get nailed square on the jaw and go down every time eventually, wether its the 0.2 seconds before the final bell or the 1st round for old times sake. Patterson wasnt getting any younger and he was starting to lose to B Level guys b the mid 70's. Listons reflexes, timing, and work ethic were getting worse but his power was still there. He floored Martin and damaged him so badly he had to retire and brutally rearranged Chuck Wepner's face making him need over 50 stitches.
