Floyd Patterson: The Youngest Heavyweight Champion in History

Floyd Patterson: Pretty Ghost

Floyd Patterson was an American professional boxer who competed from 1952 to 1972. He reigned as the world heavyweight champion from 1956 to 1962, and again from 1963 to 1964.
Patterson was born in Waco, North Carolina, on January 4, 1935. He had a troubled childhood, and was raised by his grandparents. He began boxing at a young age, and won the gold medal at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics.
Patterson turned professional in 1952, and quickly rose through the ranks. He won the world heavyweight championship in 1956, when he defeated Archie Moore in the fifth round. Patterson defended his title successfully six times, before losing to Ingemar Johansson in 1959.
Patterson regained the title in 1960, when he defeated Johansson in a rematch. He lost the title again in 1962, to Sonny Liston. Patterson retired from boxing in 1972, after losing to Muhammad Ali.

Early life

Floyd Patterson was born in Waco, North Carolina, on January 4, 1935. He was the seventh of 11 children born to sharecroppers Daniel and Mildred Patterson. Patterson's father was a violent man who often beat his wife and children. Patterson's mother died when he was 12 years old, and he was raised by his grandparents.
Patterson began boxing at a young age, and showed great promise. He won the New York Golden Gloves tournament in 1951 and 1952. He also won the gold medal at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics.

Professional career

Patterson turned professional in 1952, and quickly rose through the ranks. He was managed by Cus D'Amato, who also trained Rocky Marciano. Patterson won his first 40 fights, 39 of them by knockout.
In 1956, Patterson challenged Archie Moore for the world heavyweight championship. Patterson won the fight by a fifth-round knockout. He was the youngest heavyweight champion in history, at the age of 21.
Patterson defended his title successfully six times. He defeated such contenders as Tommy Jackson, Hurricane Jackson, and Pete Rademacher.
In 1959, Patterson lost his title to Ingemar Johansson of Sweden. Patterson was knocked out in the third round.
Patterson regained the title in 1960, when he defeated Johansson in a rematch. He won the fight by a decision in six rounds.
Patterson lost the title again in 1962, to Sonny Liston. Patterson was knocked out in the first round.
Patterson made two more attempts to regain the title, but was unsuccessful. He retired from boxing in 1972.

Patterson's most notable fights

• Patterson vs. Moore (1956): Patterson won by unanimous decision to become the youngest heavyweight champion in history.
• Patterson vs. Johansson I (1959): Patterson lost by a knockout in the third round.
• Patterson vs. Johansson II (1960): Patterson won by a unanimous decision to regain the heavyweight championship.
• Patterson vs. Johansson III (1961): Patterson lost by a technical knockout in the sixth round.
• Patterson vs. Liston (1962): Patterson lost by a knockout in the first round.
• Patterson vs. Ali (1965): Patterson lost by a technical knockout in the 12th round.

Legacy

Floyd Patterson was one of the most exciting heavyweight champions of all time. He was a skilled boxer with a powerful punch. He was also a popular figure, and was known for his gentlemanly conduct.
Patterson was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1991. He died of cancer in 2006, at the age of 71.

Impact on boxing

Floyd Patterson had a significant impact on boxing. He was one of the first black heavyweight champions, and helped to pave the way for other black fighters. He was also a popular figure, and helped to bring boxing to a wider audience.
Patterson's style of boxing was also influential. He was a skilled boxer with a powerful punch. He was also a master of the peek-a-boo defense. Patterson's style was emulated by many other fighters, including Mike Tyson.

Personal life

Floyd Patterson was a private person. He was married twice, and had two children. He was also a devout Christian.
Patterson struggled with alcoholism and depression in his later years. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1999. He died of cancer on May 11, 2006, at the age of 71.