It's a slam dunk for Rocky. Ron was a big guy who could box and fight but Quarry out hustled him and he really collapsed under Ali's punching in the 11th round. Yes Ron hit hard but I think Rocky takes it. Rocky hit hard and I don't think Ron takes it. Rons size is represented as the kind of sized guy Joe Louis was when he met Rocky. I really don't think Ron Lyle was better than even that version of Joe Louis. And that's no insult. Louis was on a 9 fight streak, active and beating real contenders. I don't think Ron beat anybody Joe Louis couldn't beat in his last year as a pro. I really don't think Ron beat a single opponent who could have beaten a 1951 Joe Louis.
Would be a very hard fight for Marciano. It would be hard to predict Lyle to win this one just based off where they both are ranked historically but Lyle was a big man with a big punch and I think Marciano and him would have a real war. Marciano would probably break him down eventually and finish him off but I think he'd likely have to get off the canvas at least once or twice before doing so.
Rocky was a great fighter but just not built to withstand the sort of punishment an elite heavyweight of Lyle's power and strength can deliver. Were he to have crested in the 70's or beyond, and demanded to be a heavyweight, his career would have been even shorter than it was in the 50's. Facial damage, back issues and the headaches: all would have been more substantial issues.
We have to favor Marciano here, but I can see why some people are wary of Lyle's power. If I were managing Rocky, Lyle would not get this fight, unless I had to give it to him.
Like if Lyle was champion, there was no other belt around to milk and the only way to the title was through Lyle and Marciano was the number one challenger?
Marciano vs Lyle what a pair of feather fisted boxing pacifists I would be happy to pay to see the fight, 6'3 220 pounds of Lyle would have been a tough opponent for Rocky, if it went long then Rocky has it, but early on i fancy Lyles chances, a defensive masterclass it would not have been.
The following scenarios: 1. Lyle holds the title, or a title that we need. 2. Lyle is the opponent in an eliminator, to decide who is the #1 challenger for the champion. 3. Rocky is the champion, and Lyle is his #1 contender. Baring those scenarios, you have some leeway in avoiding the fight. Many managers have made this calculation in the past, often barring scenario 3!
