these two fighter look very similar physically to me. there both kinda soggy looking but that is very deceptive due to the fact that they where tremendously condtioned, strong and talented fighters in their primes. i know that they fought once but i believe witherspoon was a bit passed his best. prime vs prime who wins? i think mercer has enough all around skill (though not as fast or as slick as witherspoon) to corner witherspoon and get a stoppage. but it i was almost going to say that witherspoon out boxes the slower mercer and lands that huge over hand right enough times to keep mercer honest.
'Spoon was faster, more mobile, and a better athlete than Mercer at their best. Tim gave an overtrained Holmes life and death, while Ray was tumbled from the unbeaten ranks by an old fat lazy version of Larry. Prime Ray was too tough for 'Spoon to take out, but not good enough to win a decision. Witherspoon UD 15 Mercer
Spoon was just a better fighter, when fit that is. Mercer was a good pro, but he was unimaginative and one-dimensional.
Well despite what the judges think, I had Whitherspoon winning their 1996 fight, so if they met prime vs prime, Whitherspoon takes it at a canter WU15 (11-4).
Mercer had a granite jaw and could bang, however 'Spoon was definitely the more skilled and versitile boxer. I don't think Mercer would be stopped inside the distance, however Witherspoon is good enough to take a comfortable decision here. Witherspoon UD15 Mercer
Both men were hot and cold, depending on how hard they trained and what level of condition they entered training camp,remember Mercer vs Jess Furgerson and Witherspoon had some horible out of conditioned fights
I Also Thought 'spoon Won Their Fight. Was Quite Surprised With The Judges Conclusion Of That Bout. Timmy Beats Mercer Fairly Decisively Prime 4 Prime