How did Ray Mercer outjab Lennox Lewis despite giving up 7 inches of reach?

The iron chinned Mercer, in a noticebly small ring, was a bad opponent at this early point in Lewis's transition from the pre-Steward c.230lbs, lighter on his feet, boxer version (who fancied himself as an Ali-like boxer, but in reality was always more right hand happy) to the Steward 245-250lbs version who was instructed to stand his ground (if not give up his usual reach advantage) and use his strength and power.

A below par Lewis still beat a motivated Mercer legitimately, just, imo.

 

It's hard for me rate ANY hw's these days over those who have actually accomplished much more, and beat better opps. All the top HW's of today have very thin resumes, and have even barely fought one another.

 

I'm sure Fury would mock Larry Holmes, he would also duck him.

 

Going 2-2 at age 29-35 with a crackhead and a greenhorn, feasting on plodders, avoiding southpaws and frequently failing to stop his more durable opponents doesn't suggest so.

 

Will Fury duck Usyk in the first half of 2023?

 

It's a good question. 7 inches of reach is huge and Mercer was giving up 4 inches of height as well. But Lewis was very susceptible to a jab throughout his career: Bruno was limited but was able to outjab a younger Lewis, Vitali by a greater margin against an older Lewis and even a greenhorn, Maskaev and Ruiz victim like Rahman was having plenty of success jabbing with Lewis before knocking him unconscious.

 

He sure seems reluctant to fight him thus far,.

 

That’s exactly right. You’d rightly make Lennox a favorite against more elite heavyweights in history than just about, If not any, other. Doesn’t mean on any given night he doesn’t take a few losses. But Lennox was a bad man

 

Not only would Mercer be a champ today, but McCall & Rahman would be, too.

 

Listen, If Mercer didn't jab, then Lennox Lewis will jab. And you know, Mercer shouldn't allow that..that him...he shouldn't allow him to jab before he and him not jab him so he should jab with the jabba.

 

and Sanders, Morrison, Ruddock, and others from back then.

 

Prime Mercer beats everyone Fury has beaten. He ko's 40 year old Wlad and doesn't throw away three years ducking the rematch.

 

So will he duck him in the first half of 2023 or not? Don't be a coward, nail your flag to the mast.

 

Mercer developed a good, stiff jab as his career progressed. He used it in a peculiar manner, generally stepping in really close before uncorking it, as opposed to many other fighters who use the jab as a means of getting close. Mercer had reasonable success in landing it against Wlad during their fight too. Lewis was probably a little flustered by this idiosyncracy.

 

Mercer was simply skilled, for example Wilder has long arms but a non-existent jab...