“Still Too Tender to be a Tiger” (continued”

“Still Too Tender to be a Tiger” (continued”

Patterson Fighting with Compassion

Patterson fought with a lot more compassion than most fighters did. When asked about his fight with Eddie Machen, he justified his actions by saying that he did not need to hurt Machen more than he was already hurting. He then talks about the hard life that Machen led, and how this made him deserving of a chance to fight Cassius Clay. Most boxers would have put their emotions aside and let their physical strength dictate their actions. However, Patterson did was not that kind of individual. He genuinely cared about the well-being of others, even if they were his opponents. This considerate attitude, however, characterized him as weak in the boxing world and endangered his masculinity. He did not appeal to the masses because he was not focused on his individual success. He did not embody the individualism and autonomy that Americans like to uphold as keys to success.

Toni Cuevas

Sports Illustrated

Time Inc.

July 13, 1964

Tex Maule