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Just saw this fight on the new ESPN classic Europe. Wow. What A KO.
I'm not an afficianado of older boxing (I'm only 18 so have only seen the great fights), but was Patterson known for this. His power over those last two rounds just seemed formidable.
It was the 2nd fight I'm referring to, the one wher Patterson becomes the first to regain the Heavyweight Title.
If you like fight two, (Johansson's twitching leg is superb), then I suggest you watch fight three, it is the most competitive of the trilogy, and perhaps one of most underrated superb Heavyweight title fights. The fight is in the balance for a long time.
Patterson was perhaps the fastest heavyweight champ there has been in terns of hand speed. He had good power but it was the speed that KOd people as they never saw the punches coming. Henry Cooper was knocked cold by Floyd and he said that Patterson was the hardest beating he took in the ring. Some people think that Marciano retiredrather than fighting Floyd.
Patterson was a Cus D'Amato product so he fought like Tyson (peek a boo defense, high guard, combination punches). He was a good fighter, but probably not a great one.
He was originally a middleweight (winning Olympic gold at that weight) so he was a small heavyweight. He was taller and better conditioned that Toney but significantly lighter. He was also mentally a bit weak (a particular trait in D'Amato fighters?).
He was unlucky in that he came across the first 'modern' heavyweight in Sonny Liston, even though he was way past his best. Sonny destroyed him twice and he then became a fringe contender, getting a couple more title shots but being toyed with by Ali.
After he retired he became the NY Athletic Commissionaire, but suffered from Alzheimer's and died recently.
Not the Greatest of all time - but a good man. What more can you ask for?
I am very glad to say, Floyd is still very much with us, in a physical sense anyway.Quote:
Originally Posted by X
Really, I did hear that he died somewhere and was quite sad !!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Britkid
Actually he's walking around with the brain capacity of a turnip today but is still alive.Quote:
Originally Posted by X