Muhammad Ali once again proved his authority over Floyd Patterson as he retained the NABF heavyweight title with a seventh-round stoppage at Madison Square Garden on 20 September 1972. In front of a crowd of 17,378, Ali’s blend of control, accuracy and ring intelligence gradually broke down his former rival, forcing the bout to be halted on medical grounds.

The contest marked the second meeting between two ex-heavyweight champions, seven years after their first encounter. Patterson entered the rematch fresh from a confidence-boosting victory over Pedro Agosto in July 1972, a result that convinced him one final challenge at the top level was justified. Ali, defending the NABF crown for the fourth time, arrived with size, reach and sharpness all in his favour.

From the opening bell, Ali set about managing the contest on his terms. He stayed light on his feet in the early rounds, circling the ring and keeping Patterson at range with a consistent jab. Patterson, now nearing his 38th birthday, pressed forward in his familiar crouched stance, launching looping hooks in search of an opening. While he enjoyed isolated moments of success, particularly with his left hand, Ali’s defence and timing limited the impact.

As the rounds progressed, Ali began to assert himself more clearly. In the third and fourth sessions, his right hand started to land with greater regularity, forcing Patterson to cover up and retreat. Despite giving away considerable weight, Patterson showed courage and persistence, refusing to be discouraged and continuing to push the fight.

The turning point arrived in the sixth round. Ali increased the intensity, unleashing sharper combinations that found their mark. A series of clean shots opened a cut above Patterson’s left eye, and swelling quickly followed. From that point on, Patterson was forced onto the back foot, his vision compromised as Ali targeted the damaged area with precision.

By the seventh round, the injury had worsened significantly. Patterson, showing the resilience that defined his career, continued to fight back with one eye effectively closed. Ali, sensing control, stayed composed and picked his punches, landing repeatedly without overcommitting. Although Patterson remained on his feet and was never knocked down, the punishment was visibly taking its toll.

Between rounds, the ringside doctor was called in to examine Patterson’s eye. After careful inspection, referee Arthur Mercante Sr. made the decision to prevent Patterson from answering the bell for the eighth round. The bout was officially recorded as a retirement victory for Ali at the end of round seven, bringing the contest to a close.

The stoppage marked the final appearance of Floyd Patterson’s professional career, even though he never formally announced his retirement. For Ali, it was another successful title defence and a demonstration of measured dominance rather than brute force.

In the closing chapter of their rivalry, Muhammad Ali once more emerged victorious over Floyd Patterson, ending the fight on his terms and closing the book on one of boxing’s most enduring heavyweight careers.