Floyd Patterson: A Lesson in Redemption for Vladimir
By Ingo Tepes
12.03 - Floyd Patterson is a Hall of Fame heavyweight. He's a man whose record sports wins over Archie Moore, Henry Cooper, and George Chuvalo, as well as a draw with Jerry Quarry. He's also a fighter who was knocked down SEVEN (COUNT 'EM) SEVEN times by an overlooked Swedish fighter named Ingemar Johansson.
On June 26th, 1959, Johansson and Patterson met in New York City for the World Heavyweight Title. Going into the bout, Floyd was heavily favored to brush aside the European "prospect." This "brush aside" failed to pan-out. Not only did Ingo upset Floyd, he dropped the champ seven times in round three! Patterson's wife actually rushed to the ring and cried out for a stoppage. Luckily for Floyd, the ref complied, and the carnage was ended. No one could believe what they had witnessed. Ingemar "The Hammer of Thor" Johansson had come to America and brutally dethroned the champ. Patterson's credibility was being questioned worldwide.
One year later, the two met again. This time, Johansson came in unprepared, and was pimp smacked by Floyd in grand fashion. Patterson regained the title (and his manhood) with a fifth round kayo.
Nine months later, the two faced each other for the final time. The early rounds looked like a replay of the first bout, with Ingo sending Floyd to the canvas multiple times. However, the champ would bounce back, ending Ingemar's short-lived significance by knocking him out in the sixth. Patterson had once again proven that he was NOT the rag-doll he appeared to be in his first meeting with Johansson.
Floyd would go on to face Liston and Ali, among others, and would eventually earn himself a place in the IBHOF. Why do I bring him up? Because he's a champ who lost the belt in embarrassing fashion to a relative unknown and came back with a vengeance. Patterson is a legend, and if Vladimir learns from Floyd's lesson in redemption, he too can prove that there's more to him than Saturday's performance.
Those of us who have followed Klitschko know that he's capable of so much more than what we saw against Sanders. Vlad boxed beautifully against Byrd, moved well against McCline, and dropped bombs against Jefferson, Schulz, and Mercer. If Klitschko can regain his confidence and drive, there's no reason he can't achieve as much or MORE than Floyd Patterson. If not, he will end up being just another Ingemar Johansson.
