The Floyd Patterson vs. Ingemar Johansson boxing match in 1960 was the second fight in their legendary trilogy for the heavyweight championship. It took place on June 20, 1960, at Polo Grounds in New York City. These candid photographs show Elizabeth Taylor and her husband Eddie Fisher enthusiastically watching the boxing match in 1960.
In 1959, Johansson had shocked the boxing world by defeating Patterson via a third-round TKO, knocking him down seven times to claim the heavyweight title. This 1960 rematch was Patterson’s chance to reclaim his title and prove himself.
Patterson came in better prepared and more determined than in their first bout. Johansson fought well in the early rounds, but Patterson took control as the fight progressed. In Round 5, Patterson landed a devastating left hook, knocking Johansson out cold. Johansson lay motionless on the canvas for several minutes, making this one of the most dramatic knockouts in boxing history.
Floyd Patterson became the first heavyweight champion in history to regain the title after losing it. This set the stage for their third fight in 1961, which Patterson also won by knockout.
