In the 21st century, New York is considered an important international financial, political, economic and cultural center. But let’s not forget about its sports aspect. After all, numerous world-class athletes were born and raised exactly in NY. Among them is the renowned boxer Floyd Patterson. The story of his formation as an athlete is incredibly eventful, as he was able to overcome life’s hardships and reach the pinnacle of boxing. He undeniably left a bright trace in the sports industry of New York and the whole world. Learn more at i-new-york.
What is known about Patterson’s early years?
The future boxing legend was born in North Carolina in 1935. He grew up in a troubled family with ten other children besides him. Patterson was a withdrawn boy because he had quite a difficult and restless childhood and youth. He was surrounded by poverty and often had to make ends meet. Eventually, the Patterson family, in search of a better life, moved to Brooklyn, New York. It was there that Patterson found boxing.
However, living in NY was not easy either. A deprived childhood and poverty had an effect on the boy. In particular, he skipped school and engaged in petty theft. As a result, when he was 10 years old, he was sent to a specialized school for boys (a reform school in West Park). Patterson himself recounted in many interviews that this school changed his entire life. He spent two years at the reform school before transferring to New Paltz High School in NY, where he excelled in all sports.
The journey of the boxer
At the age of 14, Patterson engaged himself in boxing. It all started when he began training at the Gramercy Gym in NY. Several years of training did him good and helped him win a gold medal at the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki as a middleweight. That same year, he also won the National Amateur Middleweight and New York Golden Gloves Middleweight Championships. His talent, hard work and enormous potential quickly attracted the attention of coaches. Floyd gained a reputation as a strong and powerful fighter, exhibiting impressive speed and agility. Each coach saw in him a future world boxing star. So, Cus D’Amato became his manager and the person who helped him become a professional boxer. For the most part, it was his merit that Patterson transformed into a world-class boxer. He taught him not only the technical aspects but also instilled discipline and psychological resilience, which were essential for success in the sport.
The youngest heavyweight champion
In 1956, Patterson faced Archie Moore in a fight. They competed for NYSAC (the New York State Athletic Commission) World Heavyweight Championship. 21-year-old Floyd knocked out Moore in the fifth round, becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in history. This record is still unbroken in the 21st century.
Patterson’s victory was not only his personal incredible achievement but also a symbol of hope and inspiration, especially for African American society. In fact, in the mid-20th century, racial tension and the civil rights battle were particularly evident in NY and the United States.
During his sports career, Floyd successfully defended his heavyweight champion title many times. He repeatedly faced and defeated some of the best boxers. His combative style could be characterized by high speed and dexterity, which was very different from other heavyweight boxers, who were mostly known for their brute strength. Sports reporters called Patterson’s style “peek-a-boo style.”
Patterson’s remarkable career as a heavyweight boxing champion began to decline in 1962 when he faced off against Sonny Liston. The latter was famous for his considerable body-build size and destructive punching power. Patterson’s manager, D’Amato, was strongly opposed to the fight. He did not want to smear the reputation of his mentee, taking into account that Liston had ties to the mafia. Nevertheless, Floyd ignored his coach and dismissed him from managing his fights and affairs, consenting to this fateful bout.
It was an extremely brutal fight between two legendary boxers of the mid-20th century. Patterson was knocked out in the first round. He lost his championship title to Liston. However, many argued against Liston, claiming that the knockout was illicit. Meanwhile, Patterson publicly stated that he wasn’t fully prepared for the fight and had unresolved personal issues, which is why it turned out the way it did. Floyd’s defeat in 1962 marked a turning point in his career, leading to its ending.
Despite this, Patterson continued to fight until he retired in 1972.
After retiring, the prominent New York boxer started developing young people and social projects. Using his own life as an example, he tirelessly promoted the values of discipline, ambition and perseverance among the youth.
Floyd Patterson passed away in 2006 at the age of 71. He battled Alzheimer’s disease and prostate cancer for a long time. Undoubtedly, he left a profound impact on the world of sports in New York and the whole country.