Finally, after a 20 year search...

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by klompton2, Mar 10, 2018.


  1. klompton2

    klompton2 Boxing Junkie banned Full Member

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    I finally found film of Ron Lyle Vs Oscar Bonavena after searching for 20 years. Great stuff. Bonavena looks to still have a lot left in the tank. Very interesting.

    [url]https://www.flickr.com/photos/147785928@N03/38925314600/in/dateposted-public/[/url]

    [url]https://www.flickr.com/photos/147785928@N03/26864468908/in/dateposted-public[/url]

    [url]https://www.flickr.com/photos/147785928@N03/38925317190/in/dateposted-public[/url]

    [url]https://www.flickr.com/photos/147785928@N03/26864471838/in/dateposted-public[/url]

    [url]https://www.flickr.com/photos/147785928@N03/38925320750/in/dateposted-public[/url]

    [url]https://www.flickr.com/photos/147785928@N03/26864464668/in/dateposted-public[/url]

    [url]https://www.flickr.com/photos/147785928@N03/26864461218/in/dateposted-public[/url]

    Lyle is big and bad, trying to walk down Bonavena, who is as fearless and eratic as ever. Launching wild volleys of punches and landing well placed counters. Impressive stuff from both guys. Afterwards Bonavena is pleased with his performance and says hes glad Denver loves him and he loves Denver. Lyle kind of makes an excuse(while saying hes not making excuses) because he reached a peak in training but the fight was postponed. He didnt need an excuse. He won despite Bonavena looking good and putting up stiff resistence.
     
    Last edited: Mar 10, 2018
  2. BitPlayerVesti

    BitPlayerVesti Boxing Drunkie Full Member

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    For a second I thought you'd found Greb footage.
     
  3. The Morlocks

    The Morlocks Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Great stuff. Bonavena cut his own path in life and was definitely his own man. Ultimate belief in himself. Underrated in my estimation, would be interesting to see him in 15 rd fights (15) against todays heavies. Congrats on yr find Klompton!
     
  4. klompton2

    klompton2 Boxing Junkie banned Full Member

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    Bonavena was so much fun to watch, so tough, and such a character. He added so much color to the sport.
     
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  5. The Morlocks

    The Morlocks Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I think he might be the only one to get under Ali's skin with his words. Ali was not ready for that, but it's hilarious seeing Oscar calling Ali a chicken and Ali getting mad.
     
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  6. Russell

    Russell Loyal Member Full Member

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    When a man is as absolutely **** sure and confident in himself as Bonavena, he's bound to have the ability to get under almost any sane persons skin.

    From everything I've ever heard of Bonavena he was something of the Argentinian Stanley Ketchel, in terms of lifestyle.
     
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  7. The Morlocks

    The Morlocks Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I never thought of it but THAT is a great comparison! Alright!!
     
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  8. klompton2

    klompton2 Boxing Junkie banned Full Member

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    Great comparison.
     
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  9. The Long Count

    The Long Count Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Congratulations on your find and thanks for posting some stills of the fight. Must be very satisfying to find something you looked for so diligently. Was this film considered lost? Or you knew it was out there and just couldn’t find someone who had it.
     
  10. The Long Count

    The Long Count Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    And yes Bonavena was a character good for the sport
     
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  11. jowcol

    jowcol Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Oscar showed himself well but it was in Denver and Ringo had seen better days.
     
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  12. klompton2

    klompton2 Boxing Junkie banned Full Member

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    I had a suspicion it had been filmed but wasnt 100% sure. I also found Lyle-Ellis with it but there was only about 15 seconds of actual fight footage and that doesnt show much action. The rest was footage of Angelo Dundee ringside, Lyle hugging Ellis after the fight, scenes outside the arena before the fight, an interview after the fight with Ken Norton who was present and challenges Lyle, and the undercard which featured an amateur bout and Duane Bobick knocking out Donnie Nelson in one round. Most of the Bobick fight is there. The Bonavena fight had footage of Leroy Jones vs Lou Rogan and post fight interviews.
     
  13. klompton2

    klompton2 Boxing Junkie banned Full Member

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    Yeah it looks like a rugged fight. Bonavena is surprisingly good in it. Very strong, durable, courageous, and accurate. Everytime Lyle stung Bonavena Bonavena would pay him back in kind.
     
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  14. Mendoza

    Mendoza Hrgovic = Next Heavyweight champion of the world. banned Full Member

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    Any photo of Lyle stars on the side his trunks?
     
  15. The Long Count

    The Long Count Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Wow that’s a great score. Nice find. Two quality contenders going at it in a great era. And Bobick on the rise before Norton popped that bubble. That’s a nice addition too. Thanks for filling us in keep up the good work and keep us posted.