Did Floyd Patterson Hit Harder than Joe Frazier?

Often debated among boxing aficionados, the question of whether Floyd Patterson hit harder than Joe Frazier was a subject of intense speculation. The answer is clearly no, as Joe Frazier proved to be more formidable in terms of power and durability.

Floyd Patterson vs. Joe Frazier: Power and Durability

While Floyd Patterson, a two-time heavyweight champion, was a formidable opponent, Joe Frazier possessed unmatched power and pushing power that many consider to be the best in boxing history. Monte Cox, a renowned boxing writer, ranked Frazier as the second most powerful heavyweight fighter of all time after Tiger Flowers. Only seven fighters were ranked higher, ranking Frazier with nine other legendary boxers: Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano, Sonny Liston, George Foreman, Mike Tyson, and Lennox Lewis.

Floyd Patterson: A Great but Small Heavyweight

Floyd Patterson, despite his size (187 lbs), was a great heavyweight fighter. His reign as undisputed champion, though brief, highlights his skills. However, his later defeats by Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston did not diminish his status. In fact, his ability to face and defeat a series of strong opponents earned him a place in the Hall of Fame. His power and accomplishments as a boxer, even post-defeats, solidified his status as a great fighter.

Joe Frazier: A Natural Heavyweight and a Warrior

In contrast, Joe Frazier, much more a natural heavyweight, possessed incredible power and resilience. Frazier grew up in poverty, driven from his home at 14, and made his way on his own. His life experiences, marked by challenges and struggles, instilled in him a fierce, unyielding spirit that manifested in his formidable fighting style. Despite facing seemingly insurmountable odds, Frazier demonstrated a tenacity that many fighters could only dream of.

Comparing the Two Fighters: Power and Stopping Power

Comparing their records, it becomes evident that Frazier had a higher percentage of stoppages. In 37 fights, Frazier had 27 stoppages, or a 72.97% success rate by stoppage. Patterson, in 64 fights, had 40 stoppages, or 62.5% of his victories by stoppage. Additionally, Frazier knocked out five of the seven common opponents listed, while Patterson knocked out none of them. This clearly highlights the power and consistency with which Frazier executed his punches, especially his famous left hook.

The Best Left Hook of All Time

Perhaps the most striking comparison is Joe Frazier's legendary left hook. Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest fighters of all time, praised Frazier as having the best left hook he ever saw. In his autobiography, Muhammad Ali wrote, 'If anyone had a better one I don’t want to get hit with it.' Even Eddie Futch, a celebrated trainer, said, 'Joe had the best hook ever.'

The renowned boxing writer and historian Doug Fischer listed Joe Frazier as the best left hooker of all time. His left hook, along with his perseverance and fighting spirit, made him a force to be reckoned with in the ring.

Conclusion: Statistical Evidence and Expert Opinions

From a statistical perspective and from the opinions of boxing experts, it is indisputable that Joe Frazier hit harder than Floyd Patterson. Monte Cox's assessment was spot-on, and Frazier's legacy as one of the most powerful boxers in history remains unchallenged.

Key Takeaways:

Joe Frazier had the second highest power ranking among all-time heavyweights. Joe Frazier's left hook was consistently named the best of all time. Frazier had a higher rate of stoppages, especially in his first-round knockouts.

While Floyd Patterson was a formidable and skilled fighter, the data and expert opinions overwhelmingly support the conclusion that Joe Frazier hit harder.

References:

Floyd Patterson: The Fighting Life of Boxing's Invisible Champion by W. K. Stratton Heavyweight Greats Rating Chart Smokin' Joe: The Life of Joe Frazier by Mark Kram Smokin' Joe: The Autobiography of a Heavyweight Champion of the World Smokin' Joe Frazier by Joe Frazier and Phil Berger The Greatest: My Own Story by Muhammad Ali 10: Best Left Hookers - The Ring 10 of Boxing's Most Devastating Left Hooks The International Hall of Fame Basic Boxing Skills by Floyd Patterson and Bert Sugar