Today in Boxing History: Great Floyd Patterson, the Two-Time Heavyweight Champion Would Have Turned 89 Today; A Look at His Boxing Record, Achievements, Cause of Death and More

Just two days after wishing Pernell Whitaker on what would have been his fifty-ninth birthday, the boxing world once again came together to honor another luminary. Yesterday marked the eighty-ninth birth anniversary of Floyd Patterson. But sadly, like ‘Sweet Pea’, he is no longer with us.

A former heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, Patterson maintained the distinction of being the youngest heavyweight champion from 1956 until ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson broke it in 1986. He was one of the few boxers whose monikers perfectly suited them. For both within the ring and outside it, he was ‘The Gentleman of Boxing.’

Early Years and Amateurs

Floyd Patterson was born on January 4, 1935. He was one of eleven children born into a poor family in Waco, North Carolina. Subsequently, his family moved to Brooklyn, New York. Growing up, he soon ran into trouble and was sent to a reform school, the Wiltwyck School for Boys. There, his life took a turn for the better, and he eventually completed schooling at a high school in New Paltz, New York.

Reportedly, it was at age fourteen that he started boxing. He learned the ropes at the Bedford-Stuyvesant Boxing Association Gym. The crowning glory of his amateur career came when he won a gold medal at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics in the middleweight division. The same year, he won the National Championship and the New York Golden Gloves. Apart from the accomplishments, it was around that time that he came in contact with Cus D’Amato and started training at the Gramercy Gym.

Professional Debut and Record

On September 12, 1952, Floyd Patterson fought his first professional bout. For the next four years, he was on a 31-fight winning streak. On November 30, 1956, roughly a month shy of his twenty-second birthday, Patterson defeated legend Archie Moore and became the youngest heavyweight champion. But three years later, he suffered his first defeat at the hands of Helsinki Olympics heavyweight silver medalist Ingemar Johansson.

But roughly a year later, on June 20, 1960, Floyd Patterson paid the Swede in the same coin and knocked him out in the fifth round. Thus, the American became the first boxer to become a champion after losing it. Patterson defeated Johansson once more the next year during their trilogy. After another title defense in December of that year, Patterson faced his biggest challenge to date: Sonny Liston.

The fearsome heavyweight knocked out Floyd Patterson in the opening round and became the new heavyweight champion. ‘The Gentleman of Boxing’ tried to regain the lost title next year, but met with a similar fate. After five consecutive wins, including one over George Chuvalo, Floyd Patterson launched his next attempt at winning a world title, which had in the meantime changed hands to a rising star, another Rome Olympics gold medalist: Muhammad Ali.

Unfortunately, the Helsinki gold medalist could barely muster any answers from the far superior and brilliant youngster. Patterson continued and, after drawing a bout with Jerry Quarry in 1967, made one last attempt at a world title on September 14, 1968, against Jimmy Ellis. But once again, he suffered a loss. He was thirty-three. From 1970 to July 1972, Floyd Patterson won nine consecutive matches.

In 1972, he met Muhammad Ali once again for the NABF heavyweight title. Sadly, the former champion had to pull out of the fight after the seventh round. Thus, ‘The Gentleman of Boxing’ ended his career with 55 wins against 8 losses and a single draw. Forty of his victories came via knockouts.

Later Years and Death

Even though he retired from boxing, Floyd Patterson continued to mark his presence in the sport. He started an amateur boxing club. Additionally, he supported the New York State Office of Children and Family by guiding children. As chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission, he served two terms. The International Boxing Hall of Fame inducted him in 1991.

He was close friends with his formal rival, Ingemar Johansson, and the two had participated in marathons in their respective countries. As a trainer, Floyd Patterson played a key role in training Donovan ‘Razor’ Ruddock when the latter went against Lennox Lewis, among a few others. Patterson lived in New York with his wife and daughters. He adopted a son, Tracy Harris Patterson, who went on to win world championships in the super bantamweight and super featherweight divisions.

During the final years of his life, Alzheimer’s, and prostate cancer afflicted the great boxer. On May 11, 2006, he passed away at his New Paltz, New York, residence. He was 71. Even though he is no longer with us, Floyd Patterson’s impact and sportsmanship continue to inspire generations, reminding us of a true gentleman in the world of boxing.

Read More: “Muhammad Ali, Floyd Patterson…”: Arnold Schwarzenegger Who Couldn’t Afford a TV, Improvised His Ways to Follow His Idol Boxers During His Time in Austria

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