I made this matchup nearly 4 years ago, but I put forward the ‘Holyfield fight’ version of Mercer, thinking that was his prime, looking back that probably wasn’t, so whenever you think their primes were. Who wins this matchup?
how many rounds? 15 rounds, i would favour Young to win. I don't think Mercer had the most outstanding stamina while Young was designed to fight 15 rounds. Over 12 rounds, i think Mercer's pressure and aggressive style would allow him to land the more eye catching shots and help him secure a close decision. Mercer close UD or MD over 12 rounds. Young UD over 15 rounds.
Jimmy won’t trade in close with Ray and Ray doesn’t have the speed or skill to catch him. Young should take a decision here
Mercer, easily. Man, I sincerely, legitimately don’t know what people are seeing when it comes to frickin’ Jimmy Young, it’s been like mass hysteria where he’s concerned for this last little bit. Pretty soon someone is going to have him competitive with Dempsey, Louis and Marciano all on the same night …
The difference is Larry Holmes was historically elite, IMO the only better heavyweights who ever lived were Ali and Louis, and Jimmy Young was never at any moment in his career historically elite, and even an aged Holmes had a Ph.D. in ring generalship and intelligence, and Young never got out of remedial classes there.
Maybe so. I just stand by my earlier statement that I am amazed at the pedestal Young is placed on here.
No Jimmy Young was by no means one of the greatest heavyweights and he was hampered by a negative style. But the guy beat Foreman, easily beat Lyle twice, and lost close controversial decisions to Norton and Ali! True he was feather fisted, but I don't understand why you are so down on him. I think he would have beaten Mercer easily.
It’s all subjective. I think Ron Lyle is overrated on this forum but I think Jimmy Young is massively overrated here. Again, I really had no use for him in real time and I haven’t changed my mind in 50 years. I don’t think the Ali fight was close and controversial, I think Young’s performance was as embarrassing as Ali’s lard and I would have disqualified him the second he stuck his head through the ropes, But I think Ali easily won the fight. And I thought Norton won their fight, easily.
Yes. People are just ahead of their skis with him. Pretty soon as I said they’ll be finding ways for him to be competitive with Rocky Marciano.
