How would a third Liston-Patterson fight have played out ?

Circa 1968/69.

Yes,Sonny twice blitzed Floyd in the first round,but how would a third go have gone in the years mentioned above ? Would Floyd have improved on the showings in their title fights ? Both were still pretty useful in their veteran stages. Sonny could still punch holes through walls,as rising contender Henry Clark found out. And Floyd pushed young guns Jerry Quarry and Jimmy Ellis to the limit.

 

I agree,but do you consider that Floyd could have put on a longer and better showing ?

 

Liston KO 1

 

Had they fought say around 1968 or 1969, its possible that Patterson may have lasted a bit longer, on the basis that Sonny had arguably fallen further and faster than Floyd did.. But at the end of the day I think he still loses and probably decisively.

 

Liston was a faded fighter up to this point, being knocked around by Leotis Martin. However, Liston was still dangerous and would have matched up very well with Patterson for obvious reasons. Patterson's chin was always suspect and we saw late into his career him being put down by Quarry in the second. I say Patterson might be able to last three rounds tops giving him the benefit of the doubt.

 

Sonny Liston KO 1

 

Sonny Liston KO 1

 

Floyd Patterson KO1

 

Liston KO 2

 

floyd may have lasted a bit longer but no longer than the 2nd

 

Sonny Liston KO 1

 

You cant have a guy like Liston KO you twice in 1 round and not be mentally affected by this.

 

I can only imagine what Patterson must have been thinking going into the second fight with Liston after getting lambasted in the first.. Its mind boggling that the man was able to ever get in the ring again, let alone be effective after those two fights.

 

I dont think Pats would be 3rd time lucky.

Liston may have been faded but stylewise and mentally, he owns Floyd.

Similar to Foreman - Frazier.
Tyson - Bruno

 

Oh agreed. I never thought he could win no matter how many times they fought.