68 years ago

Date: 30th November 1956

Venue: Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois

Title: Vacant World Heavyweight Title

Promoter: International Boxing Club

Tv: Not Known

Floyd Patterson
( 30 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 182¼ lbs

Archie Moore
( 160 - 20 - 8 )
Weight: 187¾ lbs

On Friday 30th November 1956, a vacant world heavyweight title matchup took place at the Chicago Stadium, between Floyd Patterson and Archie Moore. With Patterson having suffered a hand injury in his previous bout, Moore was considered the favorite along with the fact that he held a huge edge in experience and an outstanding record of 160-20-8. Patterson's unique training regimen, orchestrated by his manager and trainer Cus D’Amato, added an extra layer of intrigue to the match. He undertook his preparation at Sportsman's Park, a local horse racing track, in an attempt to evade potential sabotage from the International Boxing Club.

When the bell sounded on fight night, Moore initiated his renowned strategy of leaning and swaying to avoid punches, but Patterson's defensive approach stymied Moore's attempts. Keeping his gloves high and bending at the waist, Patterson managed to elude Moore's offensive strikes while simultaneously delivering potent blows. By the conclusion of the second round, Patterson appeared to have wrestled control of the fight from Moore.

Moore's struggles continued into the third round as Patterson opened a gash on his left eyebrow. As the fourth round concluded, Moore was sent to his corner looking increasingly unhappy. The fifth round proved to be the decisive one, with Patterson landing a left hook that toppled "The Old Mongoose." After managing to rise, Moore was quickly floored again by a singular right hand from Patterson, resulting in a knockout at 2:27.

Moore's disappointment was palpable. He admitted, “I’ve lost many fights but never did I lose one in such a sorry fashion as the night I fought Floyd Patterson.” On the other hand, the victorious Patterson appeared unsurprised by the result, stating, “I knew that tonight I was opposed by one of the smartest boxers and sharpest punchers in the business, but I never had any doubt about what I could do to him.”

Patterson's triumph over Moore secured him the title of the youngest world heavyweight champion until 1985 when another of Cus D’Amato's trainees, Mike Tyson, seized the record.