Dayton-native Ron Lyle is dead

InfoSource: Reuters

DENVER, Colorado -- Dayton-native Ron Lyle has died at the age of 70. The convict-turned-prizefighter once fought Muhammed Ali for the heavyweight title. Reuters says that Lyle died Saturday from septic shock after undergoing surgery.

Born in Dayton, Lyle grew up in Denver in a family of 19 children.  He was convicted of second-degree murder as a teenager and went to prison. There he learned to box.

Lyle was paroled in 1969, and became a professional boxer. He earned a title shot against Ali in May, 1075. Ali won the bout on a TKO.

Lyle also fought George Foreman in January, 1976.  Foreman won that match in a knockout.

Lyle was seen earlier this month when he commented on the death of Joe Frazier.