This year, 2025, is notable for marking the anniversaries of several iconic, unforgettable boxing matches. Celebrating 25 years since Barrera-Morales I, 30 years for Benn-McClellan, 35 for Chavez-Taylor, 40 for Hagler-Hearns, and a full 50 years since the legendary Ali Frazier III. Each of these bouts holds a special place in the hearts of fight enthusiasts, serving as a testament to the past’s importance in shaping the future of boxing.
Another remarkable yet somewhat overlooked heavyweight clash is also reaching its 50-year milestone. Without a world title at stake or the backing of major television networks, the intense showdown between Ron Lyle and Earnie Shavers in September 1975 is lesser known yet absolutely deserves its place in boxing lore. Despite lacking the limelight, their brutal and relentless battle is unforgettable and belongs in a unique, blood-soaked corner of history.
In a video produced by the dedicated fan known as ‘Rich the Fight Historian,’ this bare-knuckle brawl, held in Lyle’s hometown of Denver, is showcased. It’s described as a raw, no-holds-barred encounter with virtually no media coverage to speak of.
Earnie Shavers, at 31, boasted an impressive 49-4-1 record, with almost all victories achieved through knockouts. His counterpart, 34-year-old Ron Lyle, entered the ring with a 30-3-1 record, having ended 21 of those matches before the final bell.
The unforgettable fight took place at Denver’s Coliseum on September 13, 1975. Those in attendance witnessed a classic, with some even getting involved in the ring-side action themselves!
Rich the Historian notes with amazement how miraculous it is that footage of this battle exists at all. With no TV broadcast or professional production quality, it was merely captured by a lone individual in the stands with a camera, alert to the significance of the event. Without this foresight, the fight could easily have been lost to the annals of boxing history, left only to be reconstructed from old magazines.
But here we are, with grainy footage that may be tough on the eyes but shows the brutal contest between Lyle and Shavers almost half a century ago. Our hats are off to that keen cameraman for preserving such raw boxing history!
The pair clashed fiercely over six punishing rounds, each throwing everything they had into the fight, despite knowing only one would come out on top. Around 5,000 Lyle supporters packed the stands, eager to witness a knockout victory from their local hero. Meanwhile, Shavers, with his reputation as a devastating puncher, aimed to add another KO win to his record.
The bout didn’t explode immediately like a Hagler-Hearns brawl, but the intensity built quickly. Shavers took an aggressive stance right away, pushing Lyle towards the ropes. In the second round, Lyle paid the price for his rope-a-dope tactics when Shavers landed a heavy left hand that nearly folded him in two. Only the bell saved him from further punishment.
The tide ebbed and flowed, with Lyle catching Shavers by surprise in round three with a defiant shove. Both fighters relentlessly traded blows, and despite leaning on the ropes, Lyle was more than holding his own. Meanwhile, some rowdy fans broke through to ringside, with one even reaching through the ropes to grab Lyle’s leg in their frenzy.
Chaos reigned in the ring and out; it was a no-rules street fight for sure.
By round six, a visibly fatigued Shavers stood right in front of Lyle, having spent much of his energy. Lyle seized his opportunity, landing a devastating right hand that sent Shavers stumbling. He didn’t relent, delivering blow after blow until Shavers slumped to the canvas in almost slow motion.
Captured by the camera, Lyle’s victorious gaze at the defeated Shavers says it all. Both fighters poured their hearts into this bout, and Ron Lyle emerged victorious that day; on another day, it might have ended differently, with Shavers celebrating.
While Lyle is often remembered for his epic contest with George Foreman and Shavers for his bouts with Ali and Holmes, their encounter in September 1975 will remain a testament to the sheer, unbridled ferocity of boxing. A match that nearly disappeared from history, now etched permanently thanks to the dedication of one sharp-eyed cameraman.
