If Ingemar Johansson beat Floyd Patterson in the first rematch Johansson - Patterson II Title bout, in 1960. You would think, that Sonny Liston would have been up next for 1961. Figuring that Sonny would beat Ingo for the title, in 1961, there would probably have been a rematch for 1962. Would that scenario have pushed a young Cassius Clay into fighting Floyd Patterson or Cleveland Williams, or any of the other Top 10 fighters earlier, before getting a title shot. Floyd Patterson would have probably been in line next, after a Liston vs. Ingo II fight.
Chris, With Sonny Liston probably being forced to give Ingo a rematch in 1962, Floyd Patterson in 1963 would have been the next logical choice, on a financial basis,,,,,,,big $$$.
it would only have changed the order of the links in the title chain somewhat but I imagine all the champions would still have held the title at some point. I dont tinnk it alters who would have been champion. Ali would have been a champion later on . his conversion to islam may have came out before winning the title. Perhaps muhammad would then have had dificulty securing a shot? As a non champion Ali would not have been barred from boxing the way he had been in 1967. There might not have been an exile or terrel and ellis becoming beltholders?
