RON LYLE was an exceptional puncher. Without a doubt he would’ve fared better with more experience. His fistic knowledge certainly didn’t match his ko ability. It couldn’t, he had a limited although successful amateur career (25-4) and a late start… (30 years of age after being released from prison. )
And still he boasted an impressive 72% KO average.
But he hit harder than that.
Not just having the power but the ABILITY to be able to end a fight is a skill always under-appreciated. If Ron had a deeper amateur career he more than likely would’ve stopped more guys and possibly won a world title.
Having said that, here’s the exceptional thing about Ron… within one year… less than 365 days… Lyle fought Jimmy Young. Muhammad Ali. George Forman and Earnie Shavers.
WITHIN ONE YEAR… 2 ATG’s and 2 ATG punchers.
If you know boxing, let that sink in a moment.
And he did all that without a nickname…
The way fighters are relatively puffed and pandered to today, compared to back then, you’ll never see that again.
The moral of this story? Don’t let anyone ever tell you today’s fighters are greater than the fighters of yesteryear.
The hype is better. Fighting will always be hard, and the best of a generation will always be able to compete in any era because they are the best. There is something exceptional about their ability but today’s fighter feeds off boxing’s history… so much to the point that a piece of their purse should go to the fighters of yesterday.
That’s the only thing that truly curdles my milk about these social media boxers. They didn’t take care of the guys that made their heist possible.
100%Silk
Oh and see that picture of Ron? If you see a guy who opens his fist like that when he punches, He’s the real deal. Please don’t test him.