2 top notch contenders who never became champion. both fought great fighters. I go for lyle either stoppage or decision!
to me Williams was faster and hit harder but probably had the lesser chin in his 59-61 peak He only got stopped by Liston so maybe this suggests that he only has a weak chin to good punchers (he was definitely shot by the time he fought Ali) Lyle has the better chin and is more proven against elite opposition so I pick him it would be very close I think with Williams having the better of it early on and knocking down Lyle
Williams has the better all round skills so I'd expect him to be able to outpoint him if it goes to the cards. By the same token, Williams is clearly the more explosive puncher and their isn't much to seperate them in terms of durability. Williams is the smart pick imo, by close but clear decision I'd or KO.
Lyle seemed to have more to his game. He could vary his approach and box a bit more, albeit awkwardly and ponderously; whereas Williams was generally more focused on moving in and going for the KO. I think Lyle's greater versatility would get him through some rocky moments early, and he'd come back to win by mid-round stoppage.
