Posted this over in general, but wanted to repost it here in order to get more opinions. https://www.boxingforum24.com/threads/ron-lyle-vs-deontay-wilder.596762/#post-18862313 The Lyle that stopped Shavers This content is protected vs Deontay Wilder This content is protected Now Stiverne, when in shape, went the distance with Wilder and he was out boxed by Washington and given fits by Spilka (though I won't mark as many points off due to him being a southpaw). And in each of these fights he was rocked by each of these fighters, by Washington and Spilka by jabs. Lyle would be the most skilled boxer Wilder fought and likely the most powerful puncher. Lyle stopped a powerful puncher in Shavers (although he had a close call) and he made a close to prime George Foreman fight for his life. And I think Lyle's chin can hold up to Wilder's power at least for the short term. That's why I pick Lyle to win. And Wilder isn't a dynamic combo puncher like Louis or a young Tyson. Who do you pick in this tear up?
Lyle, Wilder was shown how to throw the jab by Lennox Lewis by extending the lead hand before you throw and stepping in as you punch so the punch doesn`t travel far but Wilder doesn`t jab anything like Lewis or Foreman so he can`t keep fighters outside his long reach.
To me, the thing is, what happens when Lyle hits him with the kind of shots he nearly stopped Foreman with? Wilder's power makes him dangerous in this one, but with his single shots, I don't see him blowing out Lyle anymore than Shavers and Foreman was able to blow him out. I do think the possibility is much stronger that Lyle lands something big first that turns Wilder's lights out. Being out boxed and staggered with a jab by Washington isn't a good sign if you're fighting someone that a 1976 Foreman stumbled across the finish line against and had to get up off the canvas multiple times to beat. Wilder has better stamina and could KO Lyle as Lyle tires, but the first 5 or 6 rounds, I have to go with Lyle.
The only caveat would be if Lyle got tired and it went the distance. Then I'd pick Wilder because he seems to have better stamina