BoxRec

Bobby A. wrote:Frazier's people rejected a Patterson bout in late 1966 saying that Joe would not be ready for such a bout for another 6 months.

According to Teddy Brenner, Patterson rejected a Frazier fight in 1969.

If Patterson turned down a 1969 fight with Frazier, then I would call that a very wise move.

1969 saw Frazier at his very best and he would have destroyed Patterson, imo.

Dont think anyone would dispute that. Its not really a fair fight in 1969. Patterson was way over-the-hill.

Any version of Joe Frazier would have been to much for Floyd Patterson! Styles make fights and this is a very bad style for Patterson because he can't move fast enough to stay away from Frazier who probably put on more pressure than any heavyweight in history. Even the 1966 Frazier would have overwelhemed Patterson. While Floyd did have fast hands that would have done little for him against Frazier because what he would need against Frazier is fast feet. Frazier hit harder and had a better chin as well. As for Frazier being to green at this stage of his career, while that might be somewhat true. Patterson was knocked down by fighters a lot worse than Joe Frazier. A complete amatuer knocked him down in his fight pro fight. What Frazier can knock down will stay down. Patterson wouldn't have been able to run from Frazier anymore than he could from Liston and if he got in a punch out with Frazier (as he surely would have been forced to) he would not have gotten to the 5th round.