TLS, one page, 8.5 x 11, personal letterhead, February 15, 1963. Letter to an admirer prior to his fight with Sonny Liston. In part: “However, getting down to the meat of your letter, I think that your advice not only is well-meant, but it makes excellent sense. I can assure you that I will go into this fight with the same determination that I went into the second Johansson fight; and if it be God's Will that I lose, I believe that I will not be disgraced, but that I will go down as a real fighting man. I know, of course, that there has been considerable criticism concerning my last fight, and I am not in any way trying to apologize. Perhaps my tactics were wrong, and if so, I will correct them this time.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds and some scattered light creases. Patterson lost to Sonny Liston in September of 1962 and was widely criticized for not using his speed and trying to tie Liston up too frequently, which resulted in Patterson being knocked out on the first round. This quick result led some to speculate the fight was fixed to set up a lucrative rematch. Patterson was also knocked out in the first round of their rematch in July of 1963. Pre-certified Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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