Best fights of Ron Lyle
Over 24 years as a professional, Ron Lyle compiled a 43-7-1 (31) record, including two title fights. Here are his best fights.
1. Ron Lyle KOs Buster Mathis
On September 29, 1972 Ron Lyle faced Buster Mathis. Lyle was 31 years old with a record of 16-0, and Mathis was 29 with a record of 30-3. Lyle was on an undefeated 16-fight winning streak and Mathis was coming off a win. Lyle stopped Buster Mathis via KO in the 2nd round.
2. Ron Lyle KOs Earnie Shavers
On September 13, 1975 Ron Lyle faced Earnie Shavers in a heavyweight bout. Lyle was 34 years old with a record of 30-3-1, and Shavers was 31 with a record of 49-4-1. Lyle was on a 2-fight losing streak, while Shavers was on a 3-fight winning streak. Lyle stopped Earnie Shavers via TKO in the 6th round.
3. Ron Lyle loses to Muhammad Ali via KO
On May 16, 1975 Ron Lyle fought Muhammad Ali for the undisputed heavyweight title. Lyle was 34 years old with a record of 30-2-1, and Ali was 33 with a record of 46-2. Lyle was coming off a loss, while Ali was on a 5-fight winning streak. Ali stopped Lyle via TKO in the 11th round. Failed to capture the title.
4. Ron Lyle defeats Oscar Bonavena
On March 19, 1974 Ron Lyle faced Oscar Bonavena. Lyle was 33 years old with a record of 26-1-1, and Bonavena was 31 with a record of 51-8-1. Bonavena was on a 4-fight winning streak. Lyle won via unanimous decision.
5. Ron Lyle defeats Joe Bugner
On March 20, 1977 Ron Lyle faced Joe Bugner in a heavyweight bout. Lyle was 36 years old with a record of 32-5-1, and Bugner was 27 with a record of 52-7-1. Lyle was coming off a loss, while Bugner was coming off a win. Lyle won via split decision.