Muhammad Ali defended his undisputed world heavyweight title against Ron Lyle

Date: May 16, 1975

Venue: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

Ali stance: orthodox

Lyle stance: orthodox

Muhammad Ali regained the undisputed heavyweight title when he stopped George Foreman in the eighth round of The Rumble in the Jungle. His first defence was against Chuck Wepner. The challenger was a very big heavyweights by 1970s standards, but he was so prone to suffering cuts around the eyes that he was nicknamed The Bayonne Bleeder. Wepner shocked just about everyone by scoring a knockdown in the ninth round. Ali then took the fight seriously, and a last round assault stopped the fight with less than a minute left. Up next was a much more skillful and harder punching challenger.

Ron Lyle learned to box while in prison for second degree murder. His excellent performance and conduct in the amateur tournaments he took part in helped get him parole, and he turned pro at the age of 30. Lyle only lost one of his first 32 bouts - a sixth round stoppage to Jerry Quarry. Lyle suffered the second loss of his career to Jimmy Young in a close points decision. Despite that defeat, Lyle was given the chance of a lifetime to become world champion.

For an in depth look at their respective records, visit:

Muhammad Ali - https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/000180

Ron Lyle - https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/226