Prime Muhammad Ali vs Ray Mercer

Mercer is made for Ali's style. UD easy.

 

Ali would win but if Mercer shows up in shape like he did for Morrison, Holyfield and Lewis, then Ali would be made to work in a gruelling affair but he would pull through regardless.

 

Lol

 

Ali by clean decision ..

 

Good eye. Ray did get better. He learned to jab and when he was in shape could be a tough out. Ask Lennox Lewis. Mercer was awesome that night.

But he's not beating Ali.

 

What a pity I can't argue this for Mercer.

Well ... I could, I just wouldn't be convincing anybody.

Maybe if we can get Liz Taylor back into the front row, again?

 

I mean, Mercer could be as tough an opponent as George Chuvalo was. They were similar types of fighters, after all.

 

Mercer did have an iron chin

 

Boring ud

 

Ali wouldn't stop Ray. But Ray would not be remotely competitive with a Prime Ali. I think even a mid 70s Ali beats Prime Ray by decision.

 

What are the odds of Mercer pulling a Morrison on Ali circa 1966?

 

Those odds are a total Blutarsky.... 0.0%

 

Mercer had a great chin. He had a great heart and he had excellent power. He even had a fairly useful jab that he used to throw from close range and it could bust guys up.

I suppose his only hope would be if Ali made one of his dumb predictions ("knocking on his door, he's out by four") and tried to make it a reality by slugging Mercer out. I could see a guy like Mercer putting Ali on his ass in a slugfest.

But if Ali boxed like he should, respected his power, and didn't try to get clever with Mercer, he ought to win a wide UD, maybe a whitewash.

 

Mercer would be more competitive against the Liston's and Foreman's of the world, not the Ali's and Holmes of the world.