Max Baer
Jack Dempsy
Max Schmeling
Rocky Marciano
John L Sullivan
You really don't like Floyd Patterson, do you? It's ok. He was a nice guy but a bit overrated. I can start by stating that his only two chances for a victory, on this list, would be against Max Schmeling and John L Sullivan. He'd have a very good chance against Tunney because of Tunney's 'safety first' style and mentality. That would be the most difficult fight to call on this list. All the others are rather easy.
So lets do the easy ones first.
Floyd Patterson vs Max Baer: Patterson always froze against big punchers and caved in once hit. It's very possible that he could catch Baer on an off night and outpoint him. In fact, it's more likely that Patterson would catch Max off guard. However, If I'm to take Max at best, as he was against Schmeling, I don't see Patterson getting past the middle rounds.
Baer by KO in 7
vs Jack Dempsey: It's easy to see Patterson sticking and moving, as Tunney did against Dempsey. There are two problems here. Patterson has faster hands than Tunney but his foot work doesn't come close. Unless he can take Dempsey out with one good hook, it's only a matter of time before Jack draws Floyd into a street fight.
Dempsey by KO in 4
vs Max Schmeling: This fight would be very competitive and would likely be waged at ring center. Patterson was faster but Schmeling was a great counter puncher. It's possible that this fight could go either way. Both have near identical win-loss records. The difference might be Patterson's chin and the fact that Schmeling could crack. Joey Maxim beat Patterson. This fight could go either way but I can see Schmeling scoring a knockdown or two for a points win.
Schmeling W 15
vs Rocky Marciano: This fight almost happened. When Marciano considered coming back against Ingamar Johansson, he switched his sights on Patterson when Floyd knocked Ingo out in the rematch. Rocky remained retired when he learned he'd still be under contract with his crooked manager Al Weill. Patterson would easily out-box Marciano. The problem is that he wouldn't go through the entire fight without getting popped a few times on that glass jaw.
Marciano by KO in 12
vs John L Sullivan: Sullivan never met anyone who can do what Patterson can do. Boxers just didn't box in his day. Even the so called defensive fighters were slow by comparison. All they did was learn how to block and duck. Combination punching didn't exist. Patterson would beat him easily.
Patterson W 15
vs Gene Tunney: There is a good chance that Patterson could out-box Tunney but he wouldn't. Here's why. Patterson out punches, out-speeds and out-jabs Tunney in the early going. However, Tunney would never take the fight in the first place without studying Patterson like a college exam. He never entered the ring without doing his homework.
Tunney would see that Patterson can't match him in foot work. Keeping a distance nullifies Patterson's advantage in hand speed. This allows Tunney to dictate the pace. The first half of the fight is Patterson's. He wins rounds 1-4. The next few rounds are even and Tunney nearly sweeps the rest of the fight as Patterson is almost always a step behind.
Tunney W 15.
Gene Tunney and Patterson would be quite evenly matched and I can see either one winning, however I think Tunney would have a slight edge and take a close decision.
Against Baer it depends which one shows up, against the clowning Baer Patterson could take a decision, however when on top form I would pick the bigger Max Baer to win by KO, especially considering Baer's right and Patterson's weak chin.
Jack Dempsey would be too ferocious and powerful and KO Patterson within three.
Max Schmeling, again, either could win but considering Schmeling beat Louis I will say he takes it by late round KO.
Rocky Marciano may have trouble for a round or so with the fast, skilled Patterson but he wouldn't be troubled by Patterson's power and all it would take is one punch for Marciano to end it. Marciano KO3.
John L. Sullivan stands a punchers chance but I think the bare knuckle champion would be too crude for someone like Patterson. Providing Patterson stays away from Sullivan's haymakers I say he takes a wide decision.
I am Joshua Mbngo Dmbungo TONGUE-CLICK Jnr. Jnr.
Vs Tunney. Interesting matchup here, both really top notch boxers in terms of skill and around the same natural size. Patterson's massive weakness was chin but against Tunney who wasn't heavy handed at heavyweight that would be less of a problem. Tunney had a top notch chin but Patterson was very quick and powerful.
I think Patterson's superior power and speed win the day on points. He looked faster than Ali in his prime sometimes.
Vs Baer at Baer's best, when he wasn't partying too much, Patterson would outbox him easily before getting nailed with a right hand and then getting up to be knocked down another four times before staying there.
Dempsey walks through him.
Schmeling's dangerous and has a puncher's chance, but I'm gonna back Patterson to out quick him to a UD.
Marciano v Patterson is a longer version of Dempsey v Patterson. Marciano doesn't start as quick as Dempsey and proves he can take Patterson's punch before walking him down and landing the Suzie Q.
Under modern rules or the rules of Patterson's era he decisions Sullivan fairly easily.
TONGUE-CLICK!
Tunney is better than Patterson, and would win on points.
Baer was crude, but if he landed any punch Patterson would be asleep. Patterson should win in 15 rounds.,
Dempsy was too strong and powerful for Patterson, and unless he could pull off a Tunney and avoid being knocked out he can not win, but Patterson could win a decision.
He would beat Schmeling.
Marciano would stop Patterson in less than 10.
Sullivan would destroy Patterson just like Liston did.
tunney by ud.
against baer, it would be close. i'd give the edge to the stronger baer.
dempsey and marciano to overpower floyd and score 7 round kayos.
patterson over schmeling by ud.
sullivan by ko in 6.
The only guys I can Patteson actually beating would be Sullivan maybe and Baer. the others walk over Floyd. IMO.
Gene Tunney
Max Baer
Jack Dempsy
Max Schmeling
Rocky Marciano
John L Sullivan
