Always wondered who would've won in this fight (both in best shape) Lyle, one of the most dangerous HWs from 70s, or Witherspoon, IMO 3rd best HW of 80s. Your thoughts?
Interesting one. I would have to go with the "Terrible one" on a later round stoppage with Ron on the ropes unable to continue.
The vastly underrated terrible one would beat one of the golden eras exciting heavies, probably on points but maybe by stoppage.
I think it would make for a very good heavyweight fight. I see it being back and forth till late in the fight where Witherspoon hammers away on Lyle whos backs against the ropes. Lyle takes a number of clubbing shots before dropping to the canvas ending the fight...
Witherspoon never won a big fight impressively, most close SD and I think that was his poor work rate. Lyle was strong and consistent but another guy that won the big ones tight. Both were decent punchers, not great and Lyle was more consistent in the condition dept. Lyle close SD or the other way but I think Lyle shows up in better shape
Witherspoons biggest KO's were Bruno and Gonzalez. I can't see him stopping Ron Lyle. His biggest wins were close decisions. Both suffered stoppage losses when older. Lyle, had 2 stoppage defeats to ATG fighters. The Foreman defeat, being one of the great heavyweight slugging matches, and the worst that Foreman was ever hurt in his career. Lyle, had a late start to his career, not turning pro until he was 30. I would take Lyle in a close decision. Lyle, was a hard man with a better work rate.
Witherpsoon via UD. He was the faster fighter, the better on defense, and had the better chin. Lyle was a little chinny and had problems with good boxer types.
Great matchup. Both guys are decent boxers, have power and got a very late start in boxing. Despite their late starts, both had good fundamentals. I think Witherspoon had better stamina and a slightly better defense. I think he'd let Ron tire himself out then come on strong late for a late rounds tko or close Unaninous decision.
Witherspoon's only stoppage loss before age 40 was the fluky second Bonecrusher fight. He had a very good chin.