Prime for Prime 12 rounds (I'm only gonna stay 12 because while I'm aware Ray Mercer had good technique and a solid chin in his glory days, I'm not sure about his stamina) Would Dempsey's speed and vicious offense be too much for ray? :bbb
Mercers record is based on giving great fighters close fights. I predict that he gives Dempsey a close fight, but looses, perhaps even controvertialy!
I would bet on an in-shape and focused Mercer. Completely different level of competition between the eras.
The young hot shot Mercer who KOd Tommy Morrison would Ko Jack in a brutal fight, Ray would be about 35-40 lbs heavier than Dempsey, not to mention Jack would have a hard time dealing with Rays jab, and Mercers chin i reckon would hold up against Dempseys assault, until Ray finally wears him down and stops him.... I don't see this fight ending well for Dempsey:-( Mercer was grity and could brawl, he knocked Morison cold, and took Lennox to hell and back, Lewis"s face looked like roast beef after that fight..
This content is protected This content is protected Whatever the weaknesses of Dempsey’s resume, he is very very proven against bigger fighters, and durable fighters.
Competitive early on, I think Dempsey may wear Ray down towards the championship rounds and potentially stop him. I think Jack had more in the tank, as well as a notable advantage in hand and foot speed. Also like Janitor already mentioned, Mercer being bigger doesn't necessarily work in his favour.
Dempsey was a far better fighter, faster hit harder, Mercer was durable and heavier but I think Jack had the edge in all other area....Jack by a wide UD or the first man to stop a prime Mercer
None of this is surprising but seriously .. Dempsey never fought anyone close to Mercer in size and strength .. Willard was 37 and highly inactive and Firpo would look like a flabby beach bum next to Mercer. Mercer would be far and away the strongest and most durable fighter Dempsey ever faced .. pound for pound Jack was a better hitter but I have serious doubts he hit harder straight up .. look at Mercer's one punch KO of Damiani and his destruction of Morrison .. Mercer was a very solid banger. He took the best bombs of Lennox Lewis, a much bigger hitter than Jack. Dempsey never showed any of the diversified game of a Duran or a Paq, skills he would need against much bigger men .. Dempey was full scale blitz way nd I don't think it works out well against a man who could absorb his power , was much stinger and could and would fire back ..
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Mercer couldn't beat Ferguson convincingly, couldn't beat Witherspoon (robbery), barely got past Cooper. Thank god he had a great chin because he had virtually no defense. Dempsey's mauling agressive style is not good news for Mercer here. Dempsey dominates him en route to a UD.
I like Jack Dempsey's fast foot work, handspeed and skill to triumph over mercer in a bout where he takes a decision. Ray's heart and chin would keep him standing for the duration, but Dempsey would give him a hellacious beating.