Floyd Patterson JAN. 4, 1935-MAY 11, 2006
I have a photo that rests on the wall above my desk...
It's of Floyd Patterson, the former Heavyweight Champ who reigned the heavyweight division for the better part of two decades. The signature on the black and white photo subtly states.
"Kindest Regards, Floyd Patterson"
The signed statement is simple, dignified, and in a subtle way...humane. When I have jazz playing from my computer, his pose in the picture is timeless and most importantly, workmanlike. For me, the photo represents a time when hard work is all you knew how to give. Just pound the bag, and get the job done in the ring and with your training...most importantly, with respect and class.
Patterson won the gold medal in Helsinki when winning a gold medal meant everything to our country. With Cus D'Amato's alliance, they eliminated mob control by choosing their management teams and matches with integrity. His level of humanity was unparalleled. As legendary boxing historian, Bert Sugar depicts in this Chicago Tribune article by Michael Hirsley, when he knocked out Ingemar Johanson, he helped carry an unconscious Johanson to his corner.
Despite the fears of civil rights proponents and leaders such as JFK and heads of the NAACP who thought that fighting Sonny Liston, who at the time was associated with gambling circles, would diminish the progression of racial relations, Patterson gave Liston a fight because he felt that true champions should face challenges. Critics always misunderstood that...Perhaps, they'll understand better and forgive why Patterson's regard for Muhammad Ali changing his name from Cassius Clay before their infamous showdown.
When told that he was knocked down the most times as a heavyweight champion, Patterson replied. "I got up the most times as a heavyweight champion." That statement along with my dignified autographed photo typifies heart, which in today's sportsworld the true element of heart is as faded as a black and white photo on my wall.
A true champion with heart...May the bell ring solid ten times for Floyd Patterson.
Floyd Patterson 1935-2006,
IronDog
It's of Floyd Patterson, the former Heavyweight Champ who reigned the heavyweight division for the better part of two decades. The signature on the black and white photo subtly states.
"Kindest Regards, Floyd Patterson"
The signed statement is simple, dignified, and in a subtle way...humane. When I have jazz playing from my computer, his pose in the picture is timeless and most importantly, workmanlike. For me, the photo represents a time when hard work is all you knew how to give. Just pound the bag, and get the job done in the ring and with your training...most importantly, with respect and class.
Patterson won the gold medal in Helsinki when winning a gold medal meant everything to our country. With Cus D'Amato's alliance, they eliminated mob control by choosing their management teams and matches with integrity. His level of humanity was unparalleled. As legendary boxing historian, Bert Sugar depicts in this Chicago Tribune article by Michael Hirsley, when he knocked out Ingemar Johanson, he helped carry an unconscious Johanson to his corner.
Despite the fears of civil rights proponents and leaders such as JFK and heads of the NAACP who thought that fighting Sonny Liston, who at the time was associated with gambling circles, would diminish the progression of racial relations, Patterson gave Liston a fight because he felt that true champions should face challenges. Critics always misunderstood that...Perhaps, they'll understand better and forgive why Patterson's regard for Muhammad Ali changing his name from Cassius Clay before their infamous showdown.
When told that he was knocked down the most times as a heavyweight champion, Patterson replied. "I got up the most times as a heavyweight champion." That statement along with my dignified autographed photo typifies heart, which in today's sportsworld the true element of heart is as faded as a black and white photo on my wall.
A true champion with heart...May the bell ring solid ten times for Floyd Patterson.
Floyd Patterson 1935-2006,
IronDog
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