In 1972, Joe Frazier fights Floyd Patterson instead of Terry Daniels.

Patterson puts up a better fight than either Daniels or Stander, but comes up short. Remember Patterson himself, was not exactly sunshine and daisies at 37 years old.

 

Joe's timing was off in the Daniels fight. In the end it didn't really matter to the outcome, but Joe looked a bit sloppy and the fight took longer than it may otherwise have. Against Patterson it may have bought Floyd some extra time as well. I would still pick Joe to win and by stoppage but Floyd may have had some moments. Floyd himself at 37 was past his best, but he was not a shot fighter as he eked out a decision win against the tough and always dangerous Bonavena and made a respectable showing against an Ali who had found his stride.

I remember in 1971 when Joe was hospitalized after the FOTC the New York Daily News featured a picture on the back page of Floyd Patterson visiting Joe at the hospital. I expected an announcement to be made of their signing for a fight, but it was not to be. A victory over Patterson would have enhanced Frazier's resume far more than either of the fights Joe had in 1972. I read somewhere that Patterson was offered a Frazier fight but he declined. He was more intent on rematching Ali, seeking vindication for his showing in their 1965 fight. It may well be that any version of Frazier may have just been a bad match for any version of Patterson but I believe that early 1972 may have been Floyd's best chance. While winning the undisputed heavyweight championship ten years after losing it in the first round to Liston may have been a bridge too far, it is interesting to note that in September, 1972, Ring Magazine had Floyd rated #3 contender behind Ali and Foreman and champion Frazier. Of all those other than Ali who held a victory over Patterson, Liston was no longer living, Ingo had been retired nine years, Jerry Quarry had just retired after his Ali rematch, Jimmy Ellis was no longer a top contender, and Joey Maxim was long retired.

 

A great matchup we never got to see. I think young Joe takes this one, but who's really to say for sure. Joes best days were behind him already

 

A still capable Floyd makes the early running pointswise over Joe who starts off even slower than he usually does. Would n't surprise me if Patterson decks Frazier for a short count in the first couple of rounds. By the fifth Joe gets into his rhythm,though,and stops his brave opponent by the seventh or eighth.

 

I've got Floyd trying his best, but getting kod in around 5.