Foreman was a better fighter than Mercer. With all due respect, kinda like a U.S. Sherman tank vs a German Tiger tank in WW2. The US "75mm" not enough firepower against the German "88mm".
Interesting match. Mercer was as tough as they come. Could be a less explosive version of Foreman-Lyle and I see Mercer having a bit of success, but Foreman's class shows up and gets Ray out of there within 5.
Mercer has the right ingredients to defeat Foreman. Ray had an excellent chin, decent skills ( One of the best jab's ever, possibly top 10-15 in the history of the division ) , and solid power. When his man was hurt, he took him out. Foreman's lack of stamina and ring generalship would cost him in the early 1970's, unless he took Mercer out early. 50/50 I think Mercer would outbox the older 1990's Foreman.
I have to go with big George.. While I have all the appreciation in the world for Mercer's resiliance, heart, and other attributes the man was simply there to be hit.. Bert Cooper did a huge number on him for anyone who saw that fight. An aging Holyfield decked him. Holmes at 42 schooled him ( though Larry's style is about as opposite of Foreman's as you can get but still. ) I can see it being an entertaining slugfest between two juggernauts but at the end of the day the better man wins.
Big George. I don't care how tough Mercer is/was, after a few rounds of pummelling hell be singing a different tune. See Joe Frazier.
This is a fight where I like the best old Foreman better than young Foreman. I wouldn't favor Ray against either, but the earlier George was irresponsible enough with his energy management that Ray could've outlasted him. He's a live 'dog in that fight.
I actually think it would be a good fight though. I can see Mercer giving Foreman a Lyle-type evening.
Mercer will definitely fight back, but he's getting outgunned and he will be eating serious leather. Mercer has respectable power, but I see Foreman walking right through him.
Erm hello, Morrison shooled Foreman pre title (prime) and Mercer destroyed Morris on (prime). Ergo by proxy, Mercer destroys Foreman.
But Morrison fought two different types of fights against those guys. He didn't trade in close with Foreman.
Cos he didn't have to. He had more speed than prime Foreman could handle, just like Ali a few years prior.