I just came across an article which stated that these 2 were arranged to meet, but Lewis somehow tried to interfer in the match because he wanted Tyson to face him instead of Mercer. There wasnt much info in the article. Is there any truth to this and when was this scheduled to happen?
The fight was scheduled for early 2002. Would have given Tyson some good rounds in preparation for Lewis. Not sure if it would have mattered. Lewis sued Tyson if he went ahead and fought Mercer, thus scraping Tyson-Mercer.
Mercer would have killed Tyson in 2002, if the fight was in talks I am sure Tyson found a way to avoid Mercer.
In preparation for title fights Tyson should have faced guys he knew and respected a bit. Guys like Oliver Mcall Ray Mercer, trial horses that wouldn't allow him to screw off and not take seriously but then again he didn't take boxing seriously at all for the last decade he was in the sport.
Hey Lefthook. I didn't know Tyson and Mercer were friends. How do you think that fight in January 2002 would have unfolded?
Tyson was in good shape when he faced Etienne. His first fight with Roach. Both guys were pretty horrible by this time, but hard to pick. I think after he lost to Lewis, he actually wanted to make another serious run, but his body was no longer capable. If Ray could push him deep he could possibly win, Tyson really didnt have too much heart left to go in the trenches.
Donny King wanted to protect his cash cow Tyson from Mercer. It a fact Mercer was a mega huge puncher with mint KO win of Morrison And smashed nose tko of Damiani! Ray Mercer was a ****ing beast who would of KO Tyson anytime 1995-2005. In 2002 Mercer rapes Tyson And wins by a KO in 9 Rounds.
mercer was more shot than tyson in 2002..........on tyson/neilson undercard merecer fought journeyman bryant scott....and was wobbled and cut badly in rd 1........tyson woulda knocked that version of mercer out....:good
who did Mercer ever "kill"? **** all, he has one decent win against glass jawed Tommy Morrison, other than that Mercer aint done ****.
Mercer being a big puncher is a myth. Other than the Morrison win, he really doesnt have too many explosive Ko's. He broke Damiani's nose, but he hit the guy on the tip of the nose with a glancing blow that shattered it. It wasnt anything spectacular. Morrison was frozen against the ropes, so the knockout was devastating and gave Mercer that tag of being some massive puncher.