Is Floyd Patterson a top 20 HW

He was ranked in the top ten for 15 consecutive years this is longer than any other fighter so he has at least that distinction, youngest champ ever at the time some good wins and a consistent run of form at the top level there's probably a place for him around the 15-20 spot.

 

That's a compelling argument.

Head to head, not entirely sure he passes the grade. But I will say he is certainly on the cusp… and most likely inside it.

 

Also the first person to regain the title. He also had enormous heart, something that every great fighters needs, a fair few decisions didn't go his way that arguably should have and his longevity, as you've presented, is up there with the best of heavyweights. He did lose to the next great heavyweight in just one round ... twice, but Frazier didn't fair much better with Foreman and it's not like Floyd was in his prime by the time he eventually fought Liston.

 

Yeah, head to head is a different story. But I believe he's loitering around the 15-20 range with some good wins on his resume.

 

Meh. From a H2H perpective I can think of at least 20 fighters who have campaigned at HW who would knock him senseless. He wasn't a good champion but he had some longevity in the sport. I'll say no.

 

Tough call. Head to head he would struggle with some of the big modern heavies. You have to weigh his pros and cons. I for one don't think his second fight with Quarry was a robbery. Close fight but under California scoring of the time it's not outlandish to give jerry the nod. The first fight different story and the Ellis fight is frustrating had he pressed more he would of one cleanly.

 

I'd say no but he was a great at his own weight and at sub 200.
I wonder how he'd have fared against Bob foster ??

 

Based on his two massive accomplishments...1st to regain the title, and the youngest at the time to win the title, I'd say that he just cracks thge top 20.

 

Come on man, that 2nd Quarry fight was outrageous...Floyd was screwed.

 

You can make the case.

I won't put it any more strongly than that.

 

If one goes by h2h then obviously not.
If one goes by overall p4p ranking of fighters which fought at heavyweight more than 5 times, then Floyd might squeeze in, but then the list would also consist of Gregorio Peralta, James Toney, Orlin Norris, Chris Byrd, Evander Holyfield, Jimmy Ellis, Oscar Bonavena, Doug Jones, Ezzard Charles, Jimmy Bivins, David Tua, Bert Cooper, Jeremy Williams, Tommy Burns, Rob Fitzsimmons, Oliver McCall , Marion Wilson , Mike Hunter , Everett Martin / Michael Spinks (borderline as I do not consider it 5 fights in his case and he was big enough to be a heavyweight in most eras and most of the times was actually the bigger man)

 

Must be ; First Olympic champ to win heavyweight title.
Youngest ever undisputed, lineal champion.
First to regain title after failures of a bevy of all - time greats.
World class 20 yrs longevity, despite best weight of around 192 lbs.
Given a fair shake against Ellis, would have been 3 time champ.
Incredible bravery, fastest handspeed with power and exciting style. Ali said he was the most skilful opponent he fought.
.

 

I don't think Floyd was screwed either. I scored the fight if I remember 7-5 for Floyd but Jerry scored two knockdowns. Under a ten point must system that would result in a draw. They however fought under the California scoring system which helped Jerry get the win. Debatable victory but not a robbery.