Wlad put a hard whipping on Ray that night, but **** Ray was 41-42 years old and a decade past his prime.. A prime Mercer from 91, that KO'D Morrison against a prime Wlad would be even 50-50 pick em:good
The Klitschko vs. Mercer fight was a great fight, Wladimir totally dominated one of the better fighters of the 90's, Wladimir looked liked he could've gotten Mercer out of there a little earlier if he had a couple more knockdowns. Today's Wladimir is a lot better though because his ring intelligence is high from training and repetition. For the sake of entertainment, Wladimir's old style combined with his new style might bring in more viewers to boxing, but I think Wladimir knows what he is doing and will stay with his new style and turn on the switch whenever he needs to.
That may be a stretch to be completely honest although Mercer was one of those dudes who was capable of heating up and taking a fight he had no business in winning. Wlad was outstanding though and deserves all the kudos for handling Mercer.
Good fight, but do not overestimate it. As you said, Mercer was one of the better fighters of the 90's (OK, let's say he was) - but anyway the fight was in 2002. In meantime, Ray got 41 and had some health issues (as well as alcohol problems if I remember correctly). Well, despite all I just said I still have to agree he was one of Wlad's better wins at this time - but IMO this just means his opponents at this time were generally weak.