Ron Lyle (circa 1977):"Ken Norton is deathly afraid to fight me." Who would have won?

Sardu · Mar 2, 2008

kenmore said:

I watched Norton and Lyle very closely when they were fighting in the mid to late '70s. I remember their respective abilities in 1977. At that point, I think Norton would have beaten Lyle, probably by decision.

By 1977, Lyle was showing signs of slowing down. He didn't have the panache, or speed of foot, that he had exhibited prior to the Foreman fight. I think Lyle's ringwear and age were getting the better of him by 1977.

Lyle's win over Bugner was very indecisive. Many believe that Lyle won only because Bugner took the bout after a very lengthy period of inactivity and possibly Joe wasn't prepared to fight his best. Also, Bugner wasn't a big puncher, so Lyle was able to keep moving forward in that bout until he eked out a decision.

Against Bugner, Lyle didn't show the same energy and fluidity he displayed two years earlier, when he did so well against Ali.

Norton was still close to his prime in 1977. I believe he would have had the speed, energy, boxing ability and power to handle Lyle.

Lyle probably would have had his moments against Norton in 1977, backing Ken against the ropes and winning points by outworking him on the inside. But Norton would have survived, and for the most part, he would have dominated the action in center ring with his fast, hard jab and his overhand right.

After about eight rounds, the bout would probably be even, or slightly in favor of Norton. After the eighth, Norton probably would have taken full control, scoring frequently with big hooks, uppercuts and overhand rights.

Lyle would have survived heavy punishment in the final rounds because of his very tough chin. Ron could take a punch.

In short, I see this fight going much like the Lyle-Bugner fight, except that Norton hit so much harder than Bugner that he would have been able to back Lyle up consistently and win a hard fought but wide decision.

Final score probably would have been 8-4 in rounds for Norton.
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Great stuff Kenmore! I believe you are correct.

Sister Sledge · Mar 2, 2008

Norton was very underrated because of his blowouts, but I give him the win in this fight.

ThinBlack · Sep 30, 2012

Norton would win based on his less slippage than Lyle.But don't expect him to win by knockout, a definite unanimous decision win would be in order.

HOUDINI · Sep 30, 2012

Norton said himself that after losing to Ali in 76 he never was the same. Lyle was a Ko puncher with his right hand for sure...big time. Norton was no quick boxer....his stance with his foot in the bucket made it difficult for him to move side to side. So....as typical for Ken he gets stopped by the huge puncher....Lyle ko 6.

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Ron Lyle (circa 1977):"Ken Norton is deathly afraid to fight me." Who would have won?

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Ron Lyle (circa 1977):"Ken Norton is deathly afraid to fight me." Who would have won?

Sardu RIP Mr. Bun: 2007-2012 Full Member

Sister Sledge Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

ThinBlack Boxing Addict banned

HOUDINI Boxing Addict Full Member