Rewatched Kabayel vs. Zhang and Lyle vs. Ali yesterday and got me thinking about this. Kabayel in his current form, coming off his KO wins over Zhang, Sanchez, and Makhmudov. Lyle circa mid-70s, after Foreman but before Ali. 12 rounds.
Kabayel was hurt and nearly stopped by some journeyman, but many guys have something like that at some point in their career, so it would be unfair to judge based on that, Dempsey was nearly stopped by Carpentier, Holmes was dropped by Renaldo Snipes, Ali dropped by Sonny Banks and Henry Cooper. Not saying Kabayel will be ranked amongst those guys, but it’s unfair to judge based on one off instances, unless it’s reoccurring.
Kabayel is a good fighter who has actually proven himself somewhat, but his best win was against someone so stylistically perfect in Zhang. No stamina or footwork. Lyle would have too much firepower and heart for Kabayel.
