Who Should Floyd Patterson have fought in his HW Title Reign

Does Floyd hear final bell? Best version of Floyd was elusive, quick, countered well, sharp puncher. Doesn't have the power to bother Usyk as I think Usyk has a very good chin, but I'd not be quick to write Floyd off as at least being competitive in spots?

 

Marciano retired in 1955 or at least announced his retirement. Was Patterson a solid heavyweight contender in 1955?

 

He fought Machen when he was a shell of himself.... and no longer had the title. That absolutely does not make up for deliberately avoiding him when he was the no. 1 contender.

Even if I believe Patterson would’ve won, he doesn’t deserve credit for victories he might have had if he hadn’t avoided the opponent in the first place.

 

It was a title eliminator at a time that was no 2nd world belt. Patterson and Machen were fairly similar in career trajectorys. Do fighters not deserve credit for non title wins?

Machens record in title elims was 1-4-1 and he was the number 1 contender for 10 months at most. He was the clear number 1 contender for 5.