More formidable heavyweight: Louis of Marciano or Patterson of Ali (I)?

I would have to give it to the Patterson of the first Ali fight, because he went on to pick up some good scalps and gave Ali a competitive fight in the rematch.

To some extent though, both were a tougher proposition than the other, for the man they were actualy fighting.

 

Patterson. At 30 years old,he had more left than a 37 year old Louis.

 

From what the experts on these forms tell me...

-Patterson was crippled and contributed to the weakest title reign of all time.

-Joe Louis died sometime before the Marciano fight.


Ultimately, I would have a hard time arguing either way. I think they were equally formidable considering their competition, somewhat echoing Jantor's opinion. Louis wasn't the ultimate stalker anymore but he was dangerous to a slugger, boxing well off his backfoot at this point, and as evident by the Savold massacre still had elite power when he could catch you. Patterson was still the fastest man Ali ever fought and as evident by the Cooper fight his left hook was still the best around. Neither man was at the best of his abilities but still tough excellent top contenders.

 

An old Joe Louis was probably better than Floyd Patterson. Still stronger and more durable.

 

Louis of '51 and a buffed 213 pounds was a serious mutha' at age 37 for Marciano..... Yes, Louis was slowed, but still powerful and his jab was working.... Joe Louie was top-10 at heavyweight on that Oct. night of 1951.... He'd have beaten many contenders had Marciano not been in the opposite corner...... WORD!

MR.BILL

Note:

I have several copies of this fight on video....

 

For whatever is worth, I think the Patterson of the first Ali fight would have a very good chance to beat the Louis of the Marciano fight.

 

Patterson no contest.
THE GUY WHO DID PICK "LOUIS CLOSE BUT CLEAR", HE MUST BE JOKING

 

Oh yes. Louis still had a very good left, but that was it. He no longer had the timing or reflexes to be really dangerous with his right. Because of that Patterson would outspeed and outwork him.

As for the question, Patterson probably was slightly better, but not by a large margin. Louis was experienced and skillful and still had enough to beat most contenders. Marciano's win probably gets a bit too overlooked, actually. It was a very good one.

 

Well for one Patterson would absolutely smoke this version of Louis. and for two Patterson went on to get good wins for his heavyweight resume, while Louis retired. I think Patterson takes this no problem.

 

Patterson was a better heavyweight around this time but he did suffer a back injury which prevented him from performing to his full potential. Then again Louis hardly had any use for his right hand by the time he fought Marciano.

 

Definitly. :good

 

Louis was completely shot when he fought Marciano. Still Marciano strugled with him.

Patterson was still very good when he fought Ali.

 

If you are right then Louis was completely shot from a much higher baselisne.

 

INteresting question ... the Patterson of Ali was much younger and went on to beat multiple top contenders ... I go with Floyd.