THE SECOND FIGHT: WHAT FLOYD MUST DO TO WIN IT
July 22, 1963
If he fights unthinkingly, Patterson has no chance whatsoever against Liston. Sonny has the advantage in weight, height, reach, strength and punch. To beat Liston, Patterson must be on the move constantly, going in, getting out fast, staying to Liston's right to avoid the explosive left. Patterson should try to goad Liston, to make him angry when he misses. Then, as the fight wears on, he can start throwing some bombs of his own.
If he fights unthinkingly, Patterson has no chance whatsoever against Liston. Sonny has the advantage in weight, height, reach, strength and punch. To beat Liston, Patterson must be on the move constantly, going in, getting out fast, staying to Liston's right to avoid the explosive left. Patterson should try to goad Liston, to make him angry when he misses. Then, as the fight wears on, he can start throwing some bombs of his own.
Patterson must move to Liston's right to avoid the left hand. When Floyd moves in, he will have to try to slip the long, jolting jab, but once he is on the inside he is on relatively safe ground.
If Patterson can't get away after scoring inside, he must tie Liston up at once. Sonny will try to bull him around, by sheer strength, but Floyd has to wait for the referee to make the break.
Patterson can throw Liston off by continually bobbing and weaving. Sonny can batter through an upright defense but, by ducking in and under, Patterson can hope to land to Liston's midsection.
