Best Tyson opponent that Ron Lyle beats?

Even in the rematch where he actually bothered to come in shape, he barely won a close decision over Ferguson.

 

He'd beat Berbick by stoppage for mine. The styles mesh for him.

 

I was on about Ferguson mate not Mercer.

 

Sorry mate. I've seen people make a huge thing about Holmes being wobbled by a Mercer jab. I thought you'd be above it lol

 

Lyle was still a top 10 ranked Heavyweight when Ball beat him.

Lewis was behind on one of the cards against Bruno the other 2 judges had it even.

How many fighters took 4 or 5 rounds off a prime Lewis ? and run him close in a decision ?

It seems like you're very flippant about Mercer's performance against Lewis when infact Lewis only had 2 close decisions in 44 fights 1 of them being against Mercer.

Hence it is a very notable/impressive performance.

Wasn't close ? Holyfield was behind on 2 of the judges scorecards going into the last 3 rounds and desperately needed a late rally as he was in danger of losing a decision.

As for trying to discredit Mercer's performance vs Holyfield ? here's one report of Holyfield.

"But Holyfield, who hadn't fought since losing his heavyweight crown 13 months ago is back on the scene again. He looked as good as, or better than, any of the 13 present and former world heavyweight champions in training."

Ferguson was one of the first opponents to extend a prime Tyson into the middle rounds.

Ferguson had Williams down twice in a back and forth war that was one of the best Heavyweight fights of the decade in the 80s.

Ferguson/McCall was close and could've gone either.

No one said Ferguson was a top contender ? but he was a solid fighter that had promising career at one point until he started to have a sparring partner mentality like James Tillis another good fighter. Ferguson could still turn up now and again when motivated and give a good account of himself against notable opposition.

He was undefeated in his first 13 fights not 12.

I'm saying he's underestimated as a fighter he won ESPN young Heavyweight tournament and was considered a promising prospect at one point.

You're dismissing the Carl Williams fight so easily yet it was one of the best Heavyweights of the decade and Williams had to dig deep climbing off the floor twice and being rocked numerous times.

Douglas would go on to beat Greg Page in his next fight and would go on a run of only having 1 loss in 4 years so you can discredit the win all you want it's a still a notable win.

Holmes in his very next fight after the Ferguson fight would go on to fight McCall for the Heavyweight title and came within 1 point on two of the judges scorecards of winning the title.

So yes it's still a notable performance and Holmes was still world class.

 

Lol

 

All due respect Rules, Spinks would’ve boxed Lyle’s ears off.

 

Where are you going w this?

 

Ray only really connected with Holmes with a straight left in the first round, and it definitely made an impression. That seemed to be the only time he got to him. Nowhere near stopping him.