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Floyd Patterson | January 4th 1935 – May 11th 2006
SAT May 13, BUSTER PARIS - Floyd Patterson has passed away – at the age of 71.
For those of you who didn’t know of Floyd do yourself a favor and Google him today – he was a really interesting guy, a great fighter and an integral part of boxing’s history.
Here are a couple of quick facts – and some points that I’ve always liked about Floyd:
He won the Vacant Heavyweight Championship against Archie Moore in 1956.
He is…was… the 2nd youngest man to win the Heavyweight crown – he was the youngest to ever do so first from 1956 until 1986…when Mike Tyson knocked out Trevor Berbick.
He was groomed and trained by Cus D’Amato – the very same amazing and complex man that unleashed Mike Tyson on the world.
The Peek-A-Boo style – Floyd was one of the first fighters to fight with this style – it’s fantastic to watch old fights with Floyd – you can actually see the blueprint of the making of Mike Tyson.
He proved he had a gigantic heart via his trilogy with Ingemar Johannson (he lost the first fight – won the other two)
One of my favorite Patterson quotes:
"They said I was the fighter who got knocked down the most, but I also got up the most,"
And it was 100% true!
He always wanted the Sonny Liston fight and gave Sonny his shot – simply put – I’ve always appreciated his courage to take him on – he could have ducked Liston for years and gotten a pass for it. No one wanted Liston – not even the President of the United States – John F. Kennedy, who even urged Floyd not to take the fight – bringing us to my 2nd favorite Patterson quote:
"I'm sorry, Mr. President…the title is not worth anything if the best fighters can't have a shot at it. And Liston deserves a shot."
Both fights against Liston are must see fights – they showcase Floyd’s courage and Sonny’s best moments that sadly lead to Liston’s greatest disappointments…but that’s for another time…
Floyd felt he let the Country down by losing.
5 words - and I hope ESPN Classics is reading: George Chuvalo February 1st 1965.
Both fights against The Greatest of ALL Time – Muhammad Ali – to see these two unique and amazing styles is just a dream come true for fight fans and for what the bouts meant to boxing - and what it means to the history of the sport.
Floyd’s 1972 fight against Ali – when the referee stopped the fight in the 7th – Floyd wasn’t complaining about the stoppage – he was almost out on his feet and was furious that Muhammad wasn’t allowed to knock him out – THAT’S where Floyd’s mind was.
Floyd used to bring a disguise with him to every fight – for if he lost he would put it on and sneak out of the arena.
Muhammad Ali once said that Floyd Patterson was THE most skilled boxer he had ever faced.
Again – do yourself a favor – Google Floyd Patterson – read a little bit about him – hopefully ESPN will show some Patterson fights this weekend – or even next week.
Floyd Patterson: January 4th 1935 – May 11th 2006
Rest in peace Champ!
Buster Paris can be reached at: bparis@talkingboxing.com - and always enjoys receiving your thoughts, comments and questions
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