I read a column where the writer said that a Frazier/Lewis fight would play out like the Lewis/Mercer bout. I disagree, but I wouldn't dismiss it. I think Frazier's pressure was more fierce than Mercer. His body attacks would certainly grind Lewis down, probably leading to a late stoppage. I also think Frazier's left hook could get Lewis in serious trouble. But....if Lewis survived Ray Mercer's shots, maybe he could survive Frazier's? Lewis also had an uppercut on par with George Foreman. If he lands those uppercuts early in the fight before Joe "starts smokin", he'd get an early KO win over Frazier. A Lewis/Frazier fight could play out either way (I think Lewis takes out Joe early with the uppercuts. If not, Frazier knocks him out late) But do you think the Ray Mercer/Lewis fight is a fair comparision to make to a potential Lewis/Frazier fight?
joe frazier would break lewis late. maybe lewis would knock down him early, but foreman needed to knock down him 6 times to stop him, and foreman had other style, he was stronger than lewis and harder puncher as well. frazier would be very strong late. he would do pressure during all the fight, but anyway it would not be a "picnic"
I agree. I think Lewis had the uppercut to severely hurt Joe, especially if he lands it often enough. We know Frazier has heart and would keep going no matter what. But other than the Lewis uppercut, I don't see any threats from him.
i do think , lewis may stop Frazier , frazier was vulnerable to the uppercut at all times , and he did have the power and strength to keep frazier away . im undecided , but u cant rly say tht it would play out like the mercer fight , lewis was having an off day , and they were fighting in one extremely small ring . mercer also utlized a jab , which frazier never seemd to have . i also think , mercer is physically stronger then joe , which might make a difference.
The reason Mercer pushed Lewis so close was because of a consistent jab and an excellent chin.Honestly,in terms of offense shown,Lewis never looked better than he did against Mercer.Lewis was throwing nothing but power punches and he put his punches together beautifully - and Mercer absorbed them.There is no way in hell that Frazier could have withstood what Mercer had to stand up to in there. Lennox Lewis was also has a history of neutralizing and shutting down left hook artists.Frazier doesn't quite have the same history when it came to fighting opponents that knew how to throw uppercuts. Lewis would knock him out early.
