Cleveland Williams vs. Ron Lyle

'59/ '60 Williams vs. '75-'76 Lyle. Who wins this war? Unlike the Foreman-Williams fantasy match that's been discussed recently, I think this would be very close. Two men of similar ability, size, and success, I think this would be a real war. Both were in tremendous shape, both had similar power. I honestly don't know who I think was stronger. Overall, Williams was a more sound boxer and had a much better jab. I also think his stamina was a little better than Lyle's. On the other hand, Lyle was tougher, and realistically, he was more proven against good fighters than Williams. In the past many have attempted 2 establish how credible Williams' best wins are (including myself). Putting that aside, Lyle beat Bonavena, Lyle, Shavers, Bugner, and a slew of highly regarded contenders in the early 70s. However, I still have no favorite. This is a 50/ 50 fight imo and fits into the Foreman-Lyle vein. Two monstrous punchers. Nothing more. I expect this would go 5 rounds. It could last longer given both men's good stamina and fair boxing ability. While most would expect fireworks, including myself, moments of strategic boxing are also quite possible.

 

What do you think @swagdelfadeel?

 

Yeah, I've read his biography. Reading it is no mistake.

 

Well, I did say they were similar, but I didn't mean 2 insinuate they were clones or something. I called them similar cuz of their comparable punching power, they both had good boxing ability 4 big punchers of their size, and they both had good 10 and 12-round stamina. However, their records r on different levels imo (just slightly), Williams had a much better jab, but Lyle was quite a bit tougher than Williams. They both shared obvious similarities and held distinct strengths and weaknesses that the other lacked.

 

Oh no, I didn't think you'd come across as rude at all. But yes, I think I can understand what you're saying. I agree.

 

Good points, esp. about slicksters. It is also more meaningful 4 Williams as well since the gap of punching power btwn Lyle and Young is greater than that btwn Williams and Machen (yes, I think Machen was a pretty good hitter).