Would Ron Lyle have been a piece of cake for pre Ali Foreman?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Jan 23, 2018.


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  1. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    Yeah, from what I understand, Foreman's management carefully matched him on the way to the top. This may have hidden his vulnerabilities. Once he stepped into the ring with Muhammad Ali, it all caught up to him. Correct me if I'm wrong, but before winning the title Foreman hadn't even fought anyone in the top 10.

    It may have ended up paying off in the long run if he had fought some top 10 fighters before fighting Ali. Maybe if he fought say Lyle or Young on his way to the title, even if he had lost, his deficiencies could've been corrected and perhaps he does beat Ali?

    Of course, this could likely have changed the course of heavyweight history as had Foreman beaten Ali and then beaten Young in a rematch (let's say he lost to Young on the way up), Foreman probably would've had a full career the first time around, perhaps losing to Larry Holmes. Had he beaten Holmes, he might have continued his reign well into the 1980's. Of course, this would mean no 90s Foreman, no fight with Holyfield and no beating Michael Moorer.
     
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Jan 24, 2018
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Jan 24, 2018
    #16
  2. Russell

    Russell Loyal Member Full Member

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    I can verify all that, I recall hearing all of this exact same information from the pre-fight hype bits before one of Lyle's fights.
     
    Russell, Jan 24, 2018
    Russell, Jan 24, 2018
    #17
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  3. JC40

    JC40 Boxing fan since 1972 banned Full Member

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    Yep, on the money. Lyle had been in situations that were a lot scarier than facing Foreman in the boxing ring. He nearly died on the operating table after being shanked in prison. Evidently he needed 35 pints of blood transfusions to save him.
     
    JC40, Jan 24, 2018
    JC40, Jan 24, 2018
    #18
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  4. Webbiano

    Webbiano Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    That's a very viable comparison. Lyle couldn't have come much closer to beating Foreman, regardless if it's easier or harder for a younger Foreman, he'd still have his work cut out for him
     
    Webbiano, Jan 24, 2018
    Webbiano, Jan 24, 2018
    #19
  5. Titan1

    Titan1 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Slightly so, yes. George has him out in 2, 3 rounds.
     
    Titan1, Feb 9, 2018
    Titan1, Feb 9, 2018
    #20
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