The ledger to the right lists high quality fighters in purple and fights with the heavyweights of the 70's in yellow. The links in yellow on the fighters names are links to information from the fight itself, the feeling before the fight and the fight as I saw it. If the fighter lost a certain fight four asterisks will be in the last column(****). If a result of a fight is linked in yellowthen that fighters record is available in the records database.

Ron Lyle was a late starter in Professional Boxing after being released from Prison. He started at the age of 29 in Denver against A.J Staples earning a Knockout in the second round. This was just the start for Lyle who owned a big punch and a solid chin and was very athletic in the ring. Lyle won his first 19 decisions. He beat among others Chuck Leslie, George Johnson and Buster Mathis during his streak. He then took on the tough warrior Jerry Quarry in 1973, for more about this fight click on the Jerry Quarry link to the right. After his first loss to Quarry, Lyle took on a bunch of top 20 heavyweights and beat them all. Included were wins over Gregorio Peralta, Jose Luis Garcia and Larry Middleton. He also had a draw with Peralta in a rematch and beat Oscar Bonavena. Ron Lyle's ring record should be noted for the excellent caliber of competition he faced throughout his career. With his record standing at 28-1-1, Ron faced former world champion Jimmy Ellis. After beating the former champ, Lyle beat tough Boone Kirkman and then tasted the second loss of his career to sweet boxing Jimmy Young. After the Young fight Lyle's next three opponents were top Heavyweights of the 70's. Ali for a title, Foreman in a war and Shavers in another great fight . Click the links for more about these fights. After going (1-2) against these fighters (KO losses to Ali,Foreman and KO win over Shavers). Lyle then took on tough Jimmy Young again and lost a 12 round decision to him. Lyle then went on a mini win streak in defeating Joe Bugner, Scott Ledoux and three others before being knocked out by Lynn Ball. Lyle's career ended with a knockout loss in one round to future title contender Gerry Cooney. It should be said we never got to see Lyle in his prime because he was incarcerated during this time. If Ron Lyle was able to start his career earlier and was not fighting his toughest fights in his mid 30's I really believe we would be talking about Ron Lyle, the champion and Ron Lyle, the all-time great. Even without those years to fight, we can still talk about Ron Lyle, the all-time great , because he really was a super fighter. He was strong and a great athlete and a pleasure to watch.

Vs 1991 Evander Holyfield-This would be a real good fight with a many ebbs and flows. I believe both fighters would have been down in the fight and both would get up and keep fighting. Evander's heart is what would carry him through to a real tough win. Prediction-Holyfield by Split Decision

Vs 1988 Mike Tyson- Tyson would try to walk down Lyle and find out Ron wasn't taking a backward step. A ferocious war would ensue, the type that shortens careers. Tyson would eventually falter and be knocked out, Lyle never had as much problem with punchers, his problems came from boxers. Prediction-Lyle KO in 9

Vs 1999 Lennox Lewis-Lewis would hold a tactical advantage here because of the jab and being able to tie up on the inside. Lyle would probably tire chasing Lewis around and slowly give away rounds to Lewis. Lewis would make a bid for a knockout late, but as he does against real good fighters, just do enough to win and not take chances. Prediction-Lewis by Unanimous Decision
 

Lyle(1-10 skill rating, ten being the best) 
Power-8
Hand Speed-6 
Chin-7
Footwork-6 
Heart-7 
Endurance-7 
Defense-6 
Intangibles(smarts,finishing,getting out of trouble,Cuts)-7

TOTAL-54 rated a B fighter.