Larry Holmes

A good late career performance. A veteran that still had, it to an extent, against a limited but tough young contender.

 

It was a good win because most people figured Mercer would beat him.

But I don't think it compares to a true vintage Holmes preformance.

 

Agreed! Ray Mercer was the most limited of the young, up-and-coming heavyweights at the time, which is why Larry Holmes fought him. Had Holmes been able to beat Lewis or Bowe or Ruddock like he did Mercer then I'd give him more props.
Having said that, it was still a good win over a young, tough, unbeaten heavyweight prospect. But Holmes fought ugly. He beat Mercer with his brains and boxing IQ and did his best to turn the contest into a non-fight.
The thing I like most about HOlmes' win over Mercer is that Larry beat a legitimate top ten contender to earn a shot at Holyfield, unlike Foreman who basically play-acted and ballyhoo'd his way into a title shot.
Good win for Larry, but I'm not sure it's a top win.

 

Mercer in his top ten defiantly.

 

Wouldn't put it in Holmes's top 15.

 

All things considered. It might be the best win of his career. Holmes had a lot of skills. The kind you don't lose 20+ stright championship fights without. However most of the guys he beat were ever overrated, or green.

 

One of the best wins of his career. Mercer was much better than most contenders and prospects that Holmes defeated in his title reign.

 

Yeah I would. It was a great example of skill and experiance beating brut strength and youth. Brain over brawn.

I saw it coming at the time. I didnt think Ray had the skillset or the speed to get to Larry Holmes. I honestly didnt think Larry would toy with him though.

 

Well Mercer had his ears boxed off by Damiani before he finally caught him. Even an old Holmes was at least capable of matching that effort, even if Ray had won the fight. It was not going to be an easy night's work for Mercer, who trained like it'd be over in 3 rounds. And Larry wasn't in there trying to go for the ko, so it was a boxing performance by an old guy over a limited youthful fighter. We've seen guys like Hopkins do a much better job of the same thing.