1957: Floyd Patterson VS Pete Rademacher - Thoughts? (Full Fight on YouTube Now)

[Boxed Ears]

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What are your thoughts on the unprecedented title defense of Floyd Patterson's world heavyweight title against an Olympic Gold Medalist on none other than his debut fight? How does history judge its merit? How do you judge its merit and the performances by each fighter? Rademacher was older than Patterson and spent several years in the amateurs before winning the gold.

I can't imagine the crap storm that would occur...if Vitali Klitschko had taken on Odlanier Solis the year after Solis won the 2004 Olympic gold medal. Even though Solis had an even more distinguished amateur background than Rademacher. Or Lennox Lewis after the 88 Olympic gold, turning pro and fighting Mike Tyson on his debut for the title.


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Edit: I had all the parts up but recently found this violated the terms of service. No full fights, guys. But you can click through and find the next parts, obviously.

[he grant]

It's an absurd footnote to boxing history and a reason why Patterson is so wildly devalued as a fighter ... he struggled early and was actually dropped by an amateur ...

[Flea Man]

Yeah but the amateurs were more similar to pro.

I do think it devalues Patterson a bit mind.

[Woller]

In his book Floyd tells that money also counts. From memory: "Place 12 amateurs in line and garantee me 250.000$ to fight each of them, and I will fight them"

Woller

[djanders]

I was just looking at Rademacher's record. He beat Chuvalo? I must have missed that one. I'm glad I missed it. That would have cost me money! :admin

[TheGreatA]

Rademacher made an offer than Patterson couldn't really refuse. He was a solid boxer with a punch. In a recent interview Rademacher stated that his greatest regret was not to have a "normal" pro career. The amateurs were similar to the pros but he had never prepared to go more than 4 rounds.

[PowerPuncher]

I think allot of olympic amateur gold medalists would do well against top pros before getting broken down late. If Gamboa fought his first fight against a world champion I wouldnt be suprised if he won, same with Jones Jr

How about Patterson v Clay in 1960?

[Flea Man]

I mean, if Cammarelle turned pro and fought Wlad or Vitali in his first fight, would he do any worse than Rademacher? I think not.

[mcvey]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

What are your thoughts on the unprecedented title defense of Floyd Patterson's world heavyweight title against an Olympic Gold Medalist on none other than his debut fight? How does history judge its merit? How do you judge its merit and the performances by each fighter? Rademacher was older than Patterson and spent several years in the amateurs before winning the gold.

I can't imagine the crap storm that would occur...if Vitali Klitschko had taken on Odlanier Solis the year after Solis won the 2004 Olympic gold medal. Even though Solis had an even more distinguished amateur background than Rademacher. Or Lennox Lewis after the 88 Olympic gold, turning pro and fighting Mike Tyson on his debut for the title.


[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Good scrap ,Rademacher looks a bit stiff legged but, certainly better than the majority of the Klits challengers.

[KTFO]

Another proof that amateurs can't box. Their brawling style doesn't fit to a distance pro bout. It's hard to tell if Rademacher had tremendous balls to face a boxer of Patterson's calibre as his first pro opponent or if he was plain stupid. Amateurs just can't adapt that quick to high level pro boxers.

[mattdonnellon]

Actually I think Pete set up Floyd quite well for that kd.

[KTFO]

Actually I think Pete set up Floyd quite well for that kd.


Speaking of setup is a bit exaggerating. Patterson was well known for his shaky chin. On the other hand, Patterson flooring the heavier Rademacher several times is a piece of art.

[jowcol]

IMHO, given the time period AND watching the fight itself, this does nothing to tarnish Patterson's career. Rademacher was much older than Patterson, much bigger, and had been fighting for years. He had sort of a Teflio Stefenson image early-mid fifties. When he dropped Patterson, Floyd had a bemused, embarrassed look on his face. Actually Pete didn't look too bad early on. If you'de walked in and started watching the fight not knowing either fighter, anyone would have thought you were watching two pros going at it.
And watch Floyd after about the second KD of Pete; he was leaning nonchalantly against the ropes knowing he was in a cakewalk...
To use this fight as some sort of red-flag in rating Patterson's legacy is ludicrous...