Magnificent Monday Matchup- Floyd Patterson Circa 1956 V George Foreman Circa 1994

I favour Patterson's speed, movement and stamina taking it. A focused and careful Patterson wears Foreman out and takes a wide points victory and quite possibly a later stoppage. He might get knocked down, but he usually got up. Would Foreman even be able to catch Patterson enough to stop him? Have to agree with others who say Floyd Patterson is viewed unfairly because of the nature of the losses to Liston. He was an excellent fighter who is usually ,and unfairly I think, sold short. Also by this stage think about where Foreman and his performances too. Obviously with a hitter like Foreman there's always the risk if he catches an opponent full on, but I think Floyd's the firm favourite here.

 

I'll go against the grain here. Patterson runs circles around George, wins a wide victory on points. He has to get off the canvas a time or two during the process, but he does it.

This is about the best possible version of Patterson vs about the worst possible version of Foreman (note: I said about, not the absolute worst). The fastest HW who isn't pre-exile Ali vs pretty much the slowest in the division by that point.

 

The older version of George Foreman was too slow and old, plus he no longer had the killer instinct that he possessed pre Zaire in 1973. The older version of Foreman was more reserved, did not want to harm an opponent, he got religious. The 1956 version of Floyd Patterson was hungry, he was faster, he had better management. The only concern I have for Patterson is his ability to take a heavy punch from a well known puncher. Floyd would have to employ movement, better defense, Foreman displayed a vulnerability in his fight against Alex Stewart, who marked and puffed up Foreman's face. Patterson's speed could offset the lumbering grill selling George Foreman. I see Patterson by points victory.

 

Foreman was far from morbidly obese, maybe 1/4 body fat, overweight but a lot of muscle.
And yeah 1956 Patterson could be a (rehydrated) SMW.

But I agree that Floyd would not be too scared, & the speed difference would be Tremendous.
I think Patterson can avoid getting crushed like a bug & earn a clear decision.

1991 Foreman would be harder!

 

Idk about "much" quicker. Liston wasn't slow but he wasn't exactly fast himself. Foreman had faster legs but slower hands.

 

Look at the photo's of Foremans face after the Alex Stewert fight. or Axel Schultz who probably beat him.
Floyd is just too quick and won't be there to get the receipts after he hits George.