Who is the most underrated heavyweight Champion between 1920-1970?

Akinwande for me if beltholders are included. Buster Douglas if not

 

My answer isn't Patterson; several others already mentioned or not stand out. As you know, he was my childhood hero.
And, as I've previously said, has there ever been a fighter who, after losing their title, was actually better afterwards?
His 0-2-1 against Quarry/Quarry/Ellis could have easily been 3-0.
I know, he would have had to fight Frazier before the 60's ended but...
his 55-8-1 would have been 59-6 (with his victory over Spencer after Jerry in the tourney.)
A teenage 'loss' to Maxim, a loss to Ingo who he brutally avenged, 2 Liston's and 2 Ali's...
Yeah I cried when he passed. More athletes should emulate Floyd's demeanor and be more respectful that they're allowed to make millions by not contributing to society but simply being a spectactor showcase.

 

Jersey Joe Walcott

 

JJ Walcott and Charles are very underrated....Primo had great heart....and so did Willard...

 

Agreed.

Here's another darkhorse though that gets zero respect---Johansen. He's so low on the respect meter that he's the guy that can make a huge leap. I really really like that sneaky right hand he threw. Salvani did a real good job working on him and he sure did save it for the opportune time to throw it.

I think he has the ability to catch some guys with it because it was sneaky. Kind of like Jimmy Young's in a way---very very accurate when he threw it and it always seemed to get acknowledged by the opponent.

now Ingemar isn't going to be a .500 fighter among the greats, but he can pull off the Weaver type upsets from time to time. So that, being said I think he is vastly underrated because the guy is literally at the bottom of the barrell. If he makes it part way up, it's a quantum leap.

 

this

 

Liston.
He should be neck - and - neck with Louis and Ali as the best of that era.
The Clay/Ali fixes ruined his legacy. They should cast doubt on his character but not on his ability.

 

Floyd Patterson.

 

I always think Jack Sharkey is underrated.

 

I find them both to be very overrated at heavyweight. Both became very shopworn during their heavy tenure… and Walcott also became very old. I feel that Walcott did not so much conquer the division as the quality of the division receded to his level.

 

This. He had a good # of title defenses. Not a spectacular performer but very effective. Charles also gave great resistance to Rocky Marciano as a challenger.

 

Patterson

 

I agree, considering the string of defenses he had, his reign if very underlooked.

 

Floyd Patterson was ranked in the top 10 end of year rankings, in more years than any other heavyweight champion.

This is something that tends to get overlooked today,and given his size and the eras his career spanned, it is rather impresive!

 

Charles
Schmeling
Frazier