Floyd Patterson passed away today, he was 71. He is one of the few black fighters I still have some respect for, never a trash talker,I guess by today's standard's he would be considered an Uncle Tom. The first fight I ever remember was over the radio in 1959 when Patterson fought Ingemar Johansson of Sweden. Patterson would make a far better role model for black youth then the thugs and gangsters they worship now.
Floyd Patterson Dies
- Thread starter Gary
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Floyd Patterson was the first Heavyweight Champion I remember (I was 5 when Marciano retired). The Patterson Johansson fights were very big stories at the time. I remember listening to Patterson-Johansson III on the radio. Ingo knocked Floyd down twice in the 1st round, then Ingo went down before the 1st round bell. Ingo went down again in Round 6 and couldn't beat the count.
Subsequently, there was a controversy on whether Patterson should fight Sonny Liston. He was twice KO'd by Sonny in 1 round. In 1965, Patterson fought Ali with a back injury, his trainers flexed his back between rounds. Ali taunted him over 12 rounds before it was stopped.
Patterson continued to fight until 1972. He was always well-liked personally, but not considered a "great" champion.
Subsequently, there was a controversy on whether Patterson should fight Sonny Liston. He was twice KO'd by Sonny in 1 round. In 1965, Patterson fought Ali with a back injury, his trainers flexed his back between rounds. Ali taunted him over 12 rounds before it was stopped.
Patterson continued to fight until 1972. He was always well-liked personally, but not considered a "great" champion.
white is right
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He also was the first of the Brownsville champions. Really like Quarry he was a tweener. His tremendous boxing skills with quickness allowed him to beat bigger stronger guys(until he ran into the bear). RIP champ.....
Realgeorge
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Floyd Patterson, Populist American</font></font>
Quote from the Champ in 1965:
"I have been told [Cassius] Clay has every right to follow any religion he chooses, and I agree. But by the same token I have the right to call the Black Muslims a menace to the United States and a menace to the Negro Race. I have the right to say the Black Muslims stink. I am a Roman Catholic. I do not believe God put us here to hate one another. I believe the Muslim preaching of segregation, hatred, rebellion and violence is wrong. Cassius Clay is disgracing himself and the negro race."
Complete article in the Washington ComPost, 12 May 06, Page e1-e6</font></font>
Quote from the Champ in 1965:
"I have been told [Cassius] Clay has every right to follow any religion he chooses, and I agree. But by the same token I have the right to call the Black Muslims a menace to the United States and a menace to the Negro Race. I have the right to say the Black Muslims stink. I am a Roman Catholic. I do not believe God put us here to hate one another. I believe the Muslim preaching of segregation, hatred, rebellion and violence is wrong. Cassius Clay is disgracing himself and the negro race."
Complete article in the Washington ComPost, 12 May 06, Page e1-e6</font></font>