How Would A Prime Foreman Vs Ray Mercer Fight Go?

Mercer would come after him. The stronger and harder puncher Foreman would force him back and overpower him. Mercer gets stopped, probably on his feet.

 

See the Chuvalo fight. That’d be about it.

Levels.

 

I didn't know Mercer was a slick counter puncher who could make Foreman miss and drain him with slippery tactics and clinching. I didn't realize this was a hot muggy, outdoor arena.

 

Percactly ! Some of the brethren see this as a closer fight than I would envisage, very few HWs would be able to " wade " into the Foreman of 72/73 unbeaten and brimming with confidence, likewise I see a ending similar to the first Frazier fight, Mercer pushed, shoved, and manhandled by big George, being on the end of a ramrod jab, with scathing, brutal hooks and uppercuts as the desert, I can't see Mercer lasting more than 3 rounds, so Georges stamina issues will not come into play.
stay safe guys.

 

Pretty much. If Foreman goes out there from round 1 hammering away with his sledgehammer jab, dictating the pace, and maneuvering Mercer around with his grappling, this would be a relatively easy fight. Once the uppercut comes into play, it's only a matter of time before the ref stops it. Mercer could be way too straightforward and direct at times and lacked imagination.

 

Mercer could outbox Foreman if he sticks to an intelligent plan, but be was far too inconsistent (see Ferguson).

Mercer's chin was otherwordly. Old Mercer took tremendous punishment from Wlad before stoppage. His chin saw him through Morrison's onslaught.

I would bet on RM for the upset potential.

 

If the overhead lights create an in-ring climate that’s even a fraction of a degree over 80, Mercer wins this once George collapses.

It’s also not clear to me what George did that was so much scarier than what Lewis did. And Mercer’s straight punches, especially the jab, remind me of Zaire Ali.

 

Lyle gave Foreman everything he could handle for a while. Mercer might well too.

 

I wouldn't bet on the upset but I do think it is possible.

 

He might, but Mercer counting on Foreman to gas in a slugfest is a pretty terrible gamble/game plan. As I said, the main reason he gassed against Ali and Young was the clash of styles and hot weather. Mercer doesn't fight remotely similar to them.

 

Ironically, against Mercer, I suspect Foreman would look the more sprightly and agile, too.

 

Foreman had very underrated footwork/foot speed and Mercer often had cement shoes.

 

Holmes really exploited that, and I'm sure young George would be able to take even greater advantage of it.

 

depending on what version of Mercer shows up, I can very well see him pulling the upset here