Floyd Patterson, who turned his troubled young life around with boxing and became, despite a gentle disposition, the world heavyweight champion, died today in New Paltz, N.Y. He was 71.
He had suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for about eight years and also had prostate cancer, said his nephew Sherman Patterson, according to The Associated Press.
I just heard about this 30 minutes ago. RIP to an outstanding boxer.
He was never more than 180-190 pounds but he could hang with the best of them. Creator of the kangaroo punch and the first HW ever to reclaim the title after he lost it.
And there goes a great underrated boxer.
He had a nasty back injury when he fought Ali and still fought like the brave warrior he was, despite the undeserved fame he got because of his fight against Liston.
Wish I was good with words in these situations. Rest in peace, true boxing fans will never forget you.
Alzheimers began in his sixties?
Ngggg.
Floyd Patterson accomplished so much despite so many disadvantages. He was truly an inspiration to boxing fans.
Rest In Peace, Mr. Patterson!
I met him a bunch (probably about ten) years ago - I went to college near New Paltz and he gave a speech at a local bookstore. I remember him being a really classy, kind, funny man.
RIP.
Are you serious? He was the best. He was the world champ and he had a glass jaw.
Floyd Patterson did a lot of good things for underpriveleged kids in his years after boxing, including adopting and making a world champion out of Tracey "Slam Bam ’ Patterson.
RIP
I actually found out how useful a crouch was in boxing and started working on it until it became my favorite after watching his “peek-a-boo” stance and how well it worked for him.