Ray Mercer vs Cleveland Williams (both between 215-220lbs)

Mercer, by KO.

 

Mercer by KO. The best Mercer also is a tough assignment for Sonny Liston.

 

Williams could outwork Mercer

 

The best Mercer is a hard day at the office for anyone. I always think Wlad's dismantling of Mercer was one of his best performances. He showed more than a big right in that fight, unleashed a full arsenal of offensive shots, his left hook was lethal!!

 

Yeah, but wasn't that old man Mercer? I can barely remember the fight.

 

Yes that was old Man Ray .
The prime Mercer was a tough sob, with a solid chin.

 

Yeah, six years after he gave Lewis hell, but he still had a killer jab and still had only been down once, and that from the body. Still think that dismantling, the rd 1 (i think?) knockdown and subsequent mid fight stoppage was very impressive.

 

6 years is alot of years though especially from the ages of 36 to 42.

Also Mercer wasn't that active between 1996-2002.

After the Witherspoon fight Mercer only had 6 fights in 6 years and they were against journeyman fighters.

Mercer hadn't been in there with a world class opponent for 6 years and was 42 years old when he faced Wladimir.

You're missing some huge context here it's not as impressive as what you're saying honestly.

Stopping Mercer in the the early or mid 90s is a world of difference than stopping a 42 year old not active Mercer in 2002.

 

Mercer was a dangerous guy but he could be a bit of a plodder and get outworked/outboxed. I think this is 50/50 fight. I don't see Mercer getting knocked out but I can see him possibly losing a decision. With that said, Williams was knocked out eigjt times in his career and we all know Mercer could punch. Gun to my head, I'm going with Mercer.

 

Five of which were after he was shot.

 

And twice by Sonny ****ing Liston.

 

Sorry, I was agreeing with you. Given Mercer's resilience I still think it was impressive though. He shook Wlad with sone mighty jabs in the early rounds. I sometimes think people think that its 'easy' to stop another man in their tracks. Its really not, particularly one that wants to finish on their feet and has made a career out of doing so. Wlad was aggressive and varied that night and whilst it is not a marquee name given, as you rightly say, the context, I think it was a top tier performance given the nature of the win if you see what I mean.

Thanks for taking the time to reply, take care, peace and love always, Px

 

Very exciting fight with a lot of action. I would pick Mercer to win by KO or stoppage later in the fight, but Cleveland would give him a run for his money