Biography

Floyd Patterson’s talent and ambition took the boxing world by storm. He appeared out of nowhere to claim the New York Golden Gloves title in both 1951 and 1952. After his second victory, the unstoppable rookie was off to chase an Olympic medal. Seventeen-year-old Patterson made international headlines when he took the middleweight gold medal in Helsinki, Finland, at the 1952 Olympics.

Born into poverty on January 4, 1935, in Waco, North Carolina, Patterson wanted to rise above the hardships he had faced growing up. He began boxing while at a reform school, and had developed a unique style. He held his gloves high in front of his face and sprung forward with unexpected hooks, catching many opponents off guard. After demolishing the competition his first few years in boxing, he was sure he had found his niche.

In 1953, Patterson made the switch to professional boxing. Three years later, on November 30, 1956, he knocked out Archie Moore in a fight for a world title. With the victory, 21-year-old Patterson became the youngest world heavyweight champion in history. His reign lasted almost five years, during which he won the world heavyweight championship twice. When he recaptured the title in 1960 after a brief loss, it marked the first time a boxer had ever made a successful comeback for the world heavyweight title.

Patterson retired in 1972 at age 37 with a professional record of 55-8-1 and 40 knockouts. After stepping out of the ring, Patterson continued his involvement in the sport and established an amateur boxing club. He was also appointed as the New York state athletic commissioner, a position from which he just recently stepped down.

To this day, he is admired for his idyllic sportsmanship, and considered an exemplary role model.