Who wins this one? Patterson is quicker and more skilled, but Earnie punched like nobody's business and Patterson's lack of chin makes him vulnerable in this match up. I just don't see Patterson lasting here. If the fight goes some rounds, and it might, at some point Shavers will land something big that will test Patterson's chin and I don't see Patterson passing that test. Shavers...either by Patterson getting blown out in the same manner Norton did against Shavers or by KO in a fight Patterson is winning on the scorecards.
Patterson's quick left hook could hurt Shavers, but chances of it making any difference are minimal. Shavers gets him out quickly
Shavers just hits too hard you could wait Shavers out because he had hideous stamina, but for that you needed to be able to handle what he was throwing at you (Tex Cobb) or you could get right in the eye of the storm and trade (a la Quarry) or if you were a brilliant, big boxer like Holmes you could chop him up from long range for strategy A you need a dynamite chin for strategy B you need at least a good chin and some power for strategy C you need a nice, long jab and a great pair of legs Patterson doesnt fit any of these... its possible he could hurt Shavers if he hit him real quick right from the opening bell... but even then, he just has to land ONE right hand and the fight is over Shavers KO2
As much as I loved Floyd, and reading his book got me into boxing, I don't think he would have made it out of the first round vs. Earnie.
