Who was faster? Muhammad Ali or Floyd Patterson

I agree wholeheartedly. When I first got into boxing, Patterson was only the guy Liston knocked out twice inside a round. Nothing more, nothing less.

Now, he's my third favorite fighter!

 

I love it! Patterson finally getting the respect he deserves.

 

I hate it but I’m still excited!

 

I find this tought to compare.
Ali had 7 inches in reach, 3 in height and 20lb on him. Which of course could be seen in their fight: If they were close in speed, what happened in there? Floyd had next to no chance landing on his equal quick, but much rangier opponent.
So in a direct confrontation, Ali looked quicker.
Lets say Ali had the same reach and traded with Floyd, I see Pattersons quicker hands landing better.
In other words: Patterson was quicker in his radius, but Alis MUCH bigger range and fighting style made his quickness look way insane than Floyds.