Who wins? Would it be close? Would anyone get hurt? What obstacles or difficulties would Patterson be faced with? What about Botha?
I wouldn't give Patterson much chance against most modern fighters but I do think he would have a good chance of defeating Botha (who, of course, was never a top-10 challenger). Botha was relatively quick of his fists and had guts, but he didn't punch hard nor moved very well. At close he would manhandle Floyd with his size, but Patterson was pretty effective with his in and out tactics when he faced a bit lesser guys than Liston. Based on Patterson's performances against likes of Bonavea and Ellis I pick him to capture a decision victory, though more likely than not he would go down at least once
I think Frans would be too big and strong for Patterson. I think Patterson would have a hard time hurting Botha. This would basically be a cruiserweight against a heavyweight. And while Patterson would've been the more athletic and talented guy in there, I just think Botha's awkward and shifty style would disrupt Patterson and have him backing up. I don't think it takes anything away from Patterson. I just think it's a good example of how modern heavyweights, even what many would consider mediocre ones, have a huge advantage in this arena over heavyweights from long ago. They're taller. Bigger. Stronger. Maybe I'm wrong. I just don't see it as being a fair fight really.
A good big guy will beat a good little guy, but a mediocre bigger, fatter guy won't beat a vastly superior smaller guy. Patterson at his best was amazing. In fact Ali (who didn't fight him in his prime), said Patterson was the best "boxer" he ever faced. It wouldn't be exactly parrallell to RJJ-Ruiz, but I think Patterson had far too many skill advantages for them to be offset by size & body fat.
