Boxing: Former heavyweight Ron Lyle dies

DENVER: Former prize-fighter Ron Lyle, a convict-turned-contender who once fought Muhammad Ali for the world heavyweight title, died in Denver at age 70. Lyle, admitted to Porter Adventist Hospital on Friday with a stomach ailment, died from septic shock after undergoing surgery. After being convicted as a teenager of second-degree murder, Lyle learned to box while he was incarcerated. He was paroled in 1969 and set out on a professional boxing career, earning a title shot against Ali in May 1975. Lyle was ahead on points in the bout until Ali unleashed a flurry of combinations in the 11th round. The referee stopped the fight and awarded Ali victory by technical knock-out, though Lyle always disputed the decision.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 28^th, 2011.