Former heavyweight champ Floyd Patterson passes away - The Orange Mane

Bronco LB 59 · 05-11-2006, 10:49 AM

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/box...ory?id=2441248

Updated: May 11, 2006, 12:37 PM ET
Patterson dies, was once youngest heavyweight champAssociated Press

NEW PALTZ, N.Y. -- Floyd Patterson, who came back from an embarrassing loss to become the first boxer to regain the heavyweight title, died Thursday. He was 71.

Patterson died at his home, having suffered from Alzheimer's disease for about eight years, according to nephew Sherman Patterson. He also had prostate cancer.

Patterson's career was marked by historic highs and humiliating lows.

He emerged from a troubled childhood in Brooklyn to win the Olympic middleweight championship in 1952.

In 1956, the undersized heavyweight became at age 21 the youngest man to win the title with a fifth-round knockout of Archie Moore.

But three years later, Patterson was knocked down seven times in the third round in losing the title to Ingemar Johansson at the Polo Grounds in New York City.

Patterson returned with a vengeance at the same site in 1960, knocking out Johansson with a tremendous left hook to retake the title.

"They said I was the fighter who got knocked down the most, but I also got up the most," Patterson said later.

Clockwork Orange · 05-11-2006, 10:51 AM

RIP Floyd Patterson.

Billy Clyde Puckett · 05-11-2006, 10:56 AM

RIP Floyd - You were a blast to watch.

watermock · 05-11-2006, 11:15 AM

"Momma, don't let your babies be boxers..."

Floyd with Alzheimers, Ali with Parkinsons/Alzheimers. Ali never has been really diagnosed, they say he's still bright but it's a muscular disorder. I'm sure boxing has most to do with it tho. Obviously letting people rattle your brains into scrambled eggs isn't a good idea, but many times, that's all they knew how to do.

ro_50 · 05-11-2006, 11:34 AM

RIP Floyd.

05-11-2006, 10:49 AM	#1
Bronco LB 59 Ring of Famer Keep your head up dog Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Leucadia CA Posts: 6,068	Former heavyweight champ Floyd Patterson passes away http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/box...ory?id=2441248 Updated: May 11, 2006, 12:37 PM ET Patterson dies, was once youngest heavyweight champAssociated Press NEW PALTZ, N.Y. -- Floyd Patterson, who came back from an embarrassing loss to become the first boxer to regain the heavyweight title, died Thursday. He was 71. Patterson died at his home, having suffered from Alzheimer's disease for about eight years, according to nephew Sherman Patterson. He also had prostate cancer. Patterson's career was marked by historic highs and humiliating lows. He emerged from a troubled childhood in Brooklyn to win the Olympic middleweight championship in 1952. In 1956, the undersized heavyweight became at age 21 the youngest man to win the title with a fifth-round knockout of Archie Moore. But three years later, Patterson was knocked down seven times in the third round in losing the title to Ingemar Johansson at the Polo Grounds in New York City. Patterson returned with a vengeance at the same site in 1960, knocking out Johansson with a tremendous left hook to retake the title. "They said I was the fighter who got knocked down the most, but I also got up the most," Patterson said later.

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05-11-2006, 10:51 AM	#2
Clockwork Orange Persona Non Grata I seen him! Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 21,438	RIP Floyd Patterson.

05-11-2006, 10:56 AM	#3
Billy Clyde Puckett Billy=Semi Tough Big Guy Looking down on KC, SD and Oakland Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: between 5,000 and 10,000 feet elevation Posts: 12,665 Adopt-a-Bronco: John Elway	RIP Floyd - You were a blast to watch.

05-11-2006, 11:15 AM	#4
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	"Momma, don't let your babies be boxers..." Floyd with Alzheimers, Ali with Parkinsons/Alzheimers. Ali never has been really diagnosed, they say he's still bright but it's a muscular disorder. I'm sure boxing has most to do with it tho. Obviously letting people rattle your brains into scrambled eggs isn't a good idea, but many times, that's all they knew how to do.

05-11-2006, 11:34 AM	#5
ro_50 Ring of Famer Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Somewhere in Jersey Posts: 3,782	RIP Floyd.