The reincarnated Dokes who slugged it out with Evander vs the brave and courageous Lyle who gave Foreman fits. Who takes it ?
I like Dokes, corn rolls and all. He was quick and fast and probably doesn't get slapped by the double whammy nut shot/headbutt from Lyle that Holyfield presented. Then again Dokes didn't do too well against the big bangers he fought like Coetzee and Ruddock. Prime Dokes did beat Weaver and held him to a draw early on so he has that. Weaver was pretty good back then too, possibly on Lyle's level. 1975 Lyle was mean though. Hmmm...
Very difficult fight to call. Lyle could target the body to slow down the faster Dokes, and he had a decent jab when he bothered to use it. Dokes has the technique and quickness to keep Lyle from getting too comfortable banging away. Both had the ability to hurt each other and this could either end in a KO or it could go the distance. Pretty even matchup and I can't pick a winner right now.
It is tough. And to reiterate, this is the 1989 version of Dokes we’re talking about who was a bit more bulked up and was converted into more of a puncher than boxer. Sure he still had fast hands which may have helped him. And that late 80s Dokes was charged. Drug free, under new management and fighting several times a year. I can see this being a tough one
Dokes was a better boxer and had faster hands. I'm just not sold on his durability against a guy like Lyle down the stretch though.
Really tough one to call. I lean toward Dokes actually 'Outboxing' Lyle, but it could easily turn the other way, similar to the Dokes - Ruddock fight.
I could see a lighter, more youthful Dokes with his footwork and speed outfoxing and outboxing Lyle for a decision win, but the version that fought Holyfield was a short-armed slugger who planted and let his combos go … but wasn’t mobile enough to avoid being there for the receipt. And Lyle would hand out some receipts. I think Ron wears Dokes down to either win by decision or late stoppage after falling behind early. Once Dokes starts trading more and more, he’s going to be fighting Ron’s fight.
The early version of Dokes who was constantly moving and out boxed Tex Cobb, would have a chance of outboxing Lyle. The more aggressive Dokes in 89 gets knocked out pure and simple.
That's my opinion as well, I could see Dokes being in command when he staggered and dropped around the 7th or 8th.
Dokes was a good fighter, but after 1985, was just about done for. And his power was a bit overrated. But tough as hell. Lyle UD.
