# Floyd Patterson

> American heavyweight boxer (1935-2006)

**Wikidata**: [Q314051](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q314051)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floyd_Patterson)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/floyd-patterson

## Summary
Floyd Patterson was an American heavyweight boxer (1935–2006) who became the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history. He won the title in 1956 at age 20 and later regained it in 1960, becoming the first boxer to hold the heavyweight championship twice. Patterson was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and received the Barney Nagler Award for his contributions to the sport.

## Biography
- Born: January 4, 1935, in Zanesville, Ohio, United States
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Attended Ohio State University but did not graduate
- Known for: Winning the heavyweight boxing championship twice and becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in history
- Employer(s): None (professional boxer)
- Field(s): Professional boxing

## Contributions
- **Heavyweight Championship**: Patterson became the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history by winning the title in 1956 at age 20. He later regained the championship in 1960, becoming the first boxer to hold the title twice.
- **Boxing Career**: Patterson had a successful professional career with a record of 57 wins (48 by knockout) and 12 losses. He was known for his powerful punching ability and defensive skills.
- **Induction into the Hall of Fame**: Patterson was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990 for his contributions to the sport.
- **Awards**: He received the Barney Nagler Award in 1940 and the Sugar Ray Robinson Award in 1938 for his boxing achievements.

## FAQs
**What was Floyd Patterson's most significant achievement in boxing?**
Floyd Patterson's most significant achievement was becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history at age 20 in 1956. He later regained the title in 1960, making him the first boxer to hold the heavyweight championship twice.

**Where did Floyd Patterson attend school?**
Floyd Patterson attended Ohio State University but did not graduate. He was a standout boxer during his time there.

**What awards did Floyd Patterson receive?**
Floyd Patterson received the Barney Nagler Award in 1940 and the Sugar Ray Robinson Award in 1938 for his contributions to boxing. He was also inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.

**What was Floyd Patterson's professional boxing record?**
Floyd Patterson had a professional record of 57 wins (48 by knockout) and 12 losses during his career.

## Why They Matter
Floyd Patterson's career revolutionized heavyweight boxing by proving that younger, more agile fighters could challenge established champions. His two-time championship reigns set new standards for the division, influencing future generations of boxers. Patterson's defensive skills and knockout power made him a dominant force in the 1950s and 1960s, and his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame cemented his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. His achievements continue to be referenced in discussions about the evolution of the sport.

## Notable For
- Youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history (1956, age 20)
- First boxer to hold the heavyweight championship twice (1956 and 1960)
- Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (1990)
- Received the Barney Nagler Award (1940) and the Sugar Ray Robinson Award (1938)
- Professional record of 57 wins (48 by knockout) and 12 losses
- Known for his powerful punching ability and defensive skills

## Body
### Early Life
Floyd Patterson was born on January 4, 1935, in Zanesville, Ohio. He attended Ohio State University but did not graduate, focusing instead on his boxing career. Patterson's talent was evident early, and he quickly rose through the ranks of amateur boxing.

### Boxing Career
Patterson turned professional in 1953 and quickly established himself as a top contender. His breakthrough came in 1956 when he defeated Ingemar Johansson to win the heavyweight championship at age 20, making him the youngest heavyweight champion in history. Patterson defended his title successfully before losing it in 1959.

### Second Championship Reign
In 1960, Patterson regained the heavyweight championship by defeating Sonny Liston. This made him the first boxer to hold the title twice. However, he lost the championship again in 1961. Patterson continued to compete at a high level until his retirement in 1965.

### Awards and Recognition
Patterson was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990. He also received the Barney Nagler Award in 1940 and the Sugar Ray Robinson Award in 1938. These awards recognized his contributions to the sport and his impact on boxing history.

### Legacy
Floyd Patterson's career left a lasting impact on boxing. His two-time championship reigns set new standards for the heavyweight division, and his defensive skills and knockout power made him a dominant force in the 1950s and 1960s. Patterson's achievements continue to be referenced in discussions about the evolution of the sport, and his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time is well-established.

## References

1. BoxRec
2. Find a Grave
3. list of WBA world champions
4. list of The Ring world champions
5. [Source](https://www.bwaa.org/past-winners)
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. Integrated Authority File
8. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
9. SNAC
10. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
11. [Source](http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/4763233.stm)
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. Virtual International Authority File
14. [Source](https://edition.cnn.com/2020/05/07/us/jimmy-glenn-coronavirus-death/index.html)
15. [Source](https://www.nytimes.com/1964/11/18/archives/ray-patterson-cranks-up-a-hobby-taking-cars-apart-attracts-floyds.html)
16. The Movie Database