Floyd Patterson

Date of Birth: January 4, 1935

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: May 11, 2006

Biography

Floyd Patterson was an American professional boxer who made a significant mark in the sport’s history. Born in Waco, North Carolina, Patterson moved to Brooklyn, New York, with his family at a young age. He began boxing at the age of 14 under the guidance of Cus D’Amato, a well-known trainer who also coached Mike Tyson. Patterson won a gold medal in the middleweight division at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland. He turned professional in 1952 and quickly rose through the ranks. Patterson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at age 21 when he knocked out Archie Moore on November 30, 1956. He held the title until 1959 when he lost to Ingemar Johansson, but he remarkably regained it in their rematch, becoming the first heavyweight to regain the title. Known for his quick hands, powerful punches, and unique peek-a-boo boxing style, Patterson had a career record of 55 wins, 8 losses, and 1 draw, with 40 wins by knockout. After retiring from boxing in 1972, Patterson remained involved in the sport as a trainer and boxing commissioner. He passed away in 2006.

5 Interesting Facts about Floyd Patterson

1. Floyd Patterson was the youngest boxer to win the World Heavyweight Championship at the age of 21.

2. He was the first heavyweight boxer to regain the world title after losing it.

3. Patterson won a gold medal in the middleweight division at the 1952 Summer Olympics.

4. He was known for his “peek-a-boo” boxing style, where he held his gloves close to his cheeks and his arms tight against his torso.

5. Patterson was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1991.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Floyd Patterson

1. “They said I was the fighter who got knocked down the most, but I also got up the most.”

2. “You try to do the best you can, and that’s all you can ask of yourself.”

3. “Boxing is an incredible exercise. It trains you to be quick and think on your feet.”

4. “Fear was always a part of my fight game, but I learned to control it.”

5. “I could never hurt anybody else without feeling the pain myself.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Floyd Patterson’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Floyd Patterson had four children: three daughters named Seneca, Jennifer, and Janene, and a son named Tracy Harris Patterson, who followed his father’s footsteps and became a professional boxer.