"The fighter loses more than his pride in the fight; he loses part of his future. He's a step closer to the slum he came from"

In this quote, Floyd Patterson is highlighting the harsh truth of being a fighter. He recommends that in a battle, a fighter not just risks losing their pride and credibility, however also a part of their future. This could describe the physical toll that battling handles a person's body, possibly shortening their profession and limiting their future opportunities. Additionally, Patterson mentions the concept of a fighter being "an action closer to the shanty town he came from." This might imply that the fighter's success and wealth might be short-lived, and they could eventually wind up back in poverty. In general, this quote clarifies the sacrifices and obstacles that featured being a fighter.