[Lefty Noob]

Two-time heavyweight champion of the world and Boxing Hall of Famer Floyd Patterson has passed at the age of 71. According to newspaper reports, he had been battling both Alzheimer's disease and prostate cancer. Patterson, as a 21-year-old, was the youngest man to win the title. He finished with a career record of 55-8-1 with 40 knockouts. What kind of boxing legacy does he leave behind?

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Two-time heavyweight champion of the world and Boxing Hall of Famer Floyd Patterson has passed at the age of 71. According to newspaper reports, he had been battling both Alzheimer's disease and prostate cancer. Patterson, as a 21-year-old, was the youngest man to win the title. He finished with a career record of 55-8-1 with 40 knockouts. What kind of boxing legacy does he leave behind?

Classy boxer...but lost in the shuffle between the golden era of Rocky Marciano and Ali...despite his 40 knockouts he always seemed a bit smallish for a heavyweight...as least to me...

[ThePundit]

In one fight he had against Ali, Patterson refused to acknowledge Ali's new Muslim name. So Ali humiliated him in the ring. And Patterson was too past his prime to do anything about it.

[legend]

He won his first title as a heavyweight at 182! Won Olynmpic Gold as a middleweight. The classiest guy in a classless sport. God speed to him.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by legend

He won his first title as a heavyweight at 182! Won Olynmpic Gold as a middleweight. The classiest guy in a classless sport. God speed to him.

Yeah, that confirms what I thought...he was rather light for a heavyweight...good boxer...but out of his weight really...

[Lefty Noob]

Definitely a classy guy, and not only the youngest ever to win the title, but the first re-gain it as well.

[Sports Fan]

Floyd Patterson might not have been the greatest heavyweight champion. But as far as a human being goes he was one of the GREATEST.

[ThePundit]

If Patterson was such a great guy, why didn't he acknowledge Ali's new name? It seems to me if someone wants to change their name it should be respected by everyone else.

[Sports Fan]

Originally Posted by ThePundit

If Patterson was such a great guy, why didn't he acknowledge Ali's new name? It seems to me if someone wants to change their name it should be respected by everyone else.

I don't know why. But I do know some years later they were both at a dinner and Patterson went up to Ali and addressed him by his proper name. Then they became really close friends after that.

[ThePundit]

I didn't know that. http://wfan.com/chrismikeaudio/
The top rated sports talk radio show in NY interviewed Burt Sugar who really had some great insight into patterson. I only heard part of it. If you have "Real Player" you can listen to the interview.

[Sports Fan]

Originally Posted by ThePundit

I didn't know that. http://wfan.com/chrismikeaudio/
The top rated sports talk radio show in NY interviewed Burt Sugar who really had some great insight into patterson. I only heard part of it. If you have "Real Player" you can listen to the interview.

Mike and the Mad Dog I always watch those guys, I think they're great. I heard the entire conversation with Burt Sugar. Burt didn't know anything about Patterson and Ali making up. But I know I heard It on Sportscenter.

[legend]

They did reconcile, but knowing Ali and his mouth, I am sure that had something to do with it.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by ThePundit

If Patterson was such a great guy, why didn't he acknowledge Ali's new name? It seems to me if someone wants to change their name it should be respected by everyone else.

You know anyone else and I might reconsider...but The Louisville Lip...come on...this is the same guy that called Frazier an Uncle Tom, and an ugly Gorilla in Manilla...and he is gonna hold a grudge someone called him Clay before a bout???...come now Pundit...look, I liked Ali, but he is the first to make "name calling" a part of a fight promotion...anyone else on the planet maybe...but to discredit Patterson over an Ali incident is insane...