In one of the most brutal fights in boxing history, knockout artists and Muhammad Ali knockout victims George Foreman and Ron Lyle square off to get back into the title picture. Lyle hurts Foreman with a big right hand at the end of the opening round, but Foreman comes back to hurt Lyle a minute into the second round; however, the timekeeper errs and stops the round a full minute early as Foreman is pummeling Lyle against the ropes. Lyle hurts Foreman early in the fourth and sends him down on his side after an accumulation of blows. Foreman gets right back up and trades bombs with Lyle until Lyle crumples on his side. Lyle beats the count, but Foreman has him hurt and bombs away until Lyle somehow comes back and hurts Foreman again, dropping him on his side with a right hand. Foreman miraculously beats the count after the bell sounds to end arguably the greatest round of all time. Lyle hurts Foreman again early in the fifth, but Foreman stays on his feet and trades bombs with him, neither man able to defend himself anymore. Lyle is unable to keep his hands up as Foreman rains bombs on his head in the corner, and he finally collapses face down on the canvas. Lyle tries to get up but collapses on his back and is counted out to end an epic confrontation.

George Foreman vs. Ron Lyle

Jerry Quarry vs Ron Lyle 

Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali takes on thunderous puncher Ron Lyle in defense of his crown. Although the challenger brings a very measured and tactical approach to the bout, Ali manages to knock him into the ropes with a straight right hand in the eleventh round. Ali then batters Lyle into a corner and pours on the punishment, forcing Referee Ferd Hernandez to wave things off.

George Foreman vs. Ron Lyle

Jerry Quarry vs Ron Lyle

Muhammad Ali vs. Ron Lyle

On this Day