Why did Liston give Patterson a immediate re-match?

I agree. A class act in and out of the ring

 

:goodHe was such a gentleman. He often lifted his opponents even after he ko'd them and didn't even complain about the questionable decisions he got later in his career. Can't help but to love him as a fighter but most importantly, as a man. Hard to say that about many boxers.

 

Let's be practical, who else could Liston have fought and made as much money...with so little risk?

 

He couldn't get Ingemar Johansson in the ring. Patterson was eager to get another shot.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1074400/index.htm

 

Many people said the same after Ingo Bingoed Floyd in their first fight.


There was a return clause for Floyd, v Sonny, maybe he wished he hadn't taken it up but it was common then.

 

The return clauses go well before the late 50's. Walcott Marciano had one.

I belive Louis had a few in case Louis lost the title along the way. Conn even mentions that had he won the title, evey one knew Louis would be champ again lol.

 

Patterson had enough heart to want to prove himself. He trained hard to get back into the ring with Sonny. I mean, I honestly wouldn't be questioning this at all. He's a true gentleman ex-champ that just had to prove his mettle. Yes, the outcomes are two KOs, but look at what that says about Patterson. He wanted it bad. It's the outcomes that are making you wonder this. If you knew the situation you would understand Patterson's tenacity at that time. Honestly, how many fighters have done this "route"?

 

Maybe because it was the first fight that both fighters earned $1.000.000 each...

 

Bingo.:good