Why not when it was supposed to happen? I think Bowe wins at any point, he's more active, and works his arsenal off a better jab. Mercer's toughness and gameness makes it a great, competitive fight.
In 1993, when they were supposed to fight, I think Bowe wins a decision in a pretty exciting fight. They were roommates at the Olympics and didn't care for each other as pros. And Mercer tended to fight to the level of his opposition, so I think he'd come in ready to go. But Bowe was the sharper of the two at that time. In 1995/96, I actually think Mercer might win a close, exciting decision. Bowe's skills were diminishing rapidly. And the Mercer of the Holyfield and Lewis fights could probably outpunch Bowe and take the decision over 12. People talk a lot about the Bowe-Lewis fight we never saw, but a Bowe-Mercer matchup would've been something.
I kind of wish Bowe would've given Mercer the shot anyway, sort of like Ali still giving the scheduled shot to Ron Lyle after Lyle lost to Jimmy Young. But then Lyle didn't try to bribe Young into losing. Bowe wins a decision or stops Mercer late in May 1992. In 1995 or 1996 Mercer got some of his fire back. If we pit the Mercer who fought Lewis against the Bowe who fought Golota, Mercer probably takes it. One thing I don't get about Mercer in that period is how he failed to take advantage of his momentum. In May of 1995 he looks good against Holyfield, then takes a year off. In May of 1996 he narrowly loses to Lewis, then takes six months off. In December 1996 he finally gets the win in a close one against the streaking Witherspoon, and he takes fourteen months off, fights once, and takes 22 months, nearly two years, off.
It could’ve been an awesome fight. Mercer blew it by losing to Ferguson. I give a slight edge to Bowe because he had height and reach and actually had the better condition and volume. Riddick could hit him with that jab from far away and the upper cut and body shots inside. Neither were defensive wizards but I think Bowe’s defense was a bit better as well. Mercer had the power to hurt him though, and had the better chin. Bowe could pound on him but Mercer could explode with that one shot that could hurt him. But I think that Bowe would tough it out and outwork him. Style wise they suited one another. Neither would have to look far to find the other. It would’ve been an intriguing slug fest.
Bowe of 92-93 was much better than Mercer ever was, so I think he'd take a decision. By 95-96, Bowe was slipping and often out of shape while Mercer had some good showings against Lewis, Holy and Spoon, so Mercer could well Golota him (though without as many low blows).
Close fight. Mercer believed Bowe had a loser's mentality. He always wanted a chance to at him but his own inconsistency tripped him up. I think Ray was stronger than Riddick and he had that tough neck. Bowe was more polished and a little taller. He didn't necessarily use his height. Peak vs Peak Bowe ekes out a decision. Mercer isn't going anywhere. If Bowe had fought him in 95 or 96 he might of gotten stopped.
