Ray Mercer vs. Mike Tyson

Prime Tyson may be one of the few fighters who could get Mercer out of there before 6 rounds. Prime for prime, Tyson likely gets the stoppage. Mid 90s Tyson vs prime Mercer would be a hell of a fight. Could go either way.

 

I agree Bert. I think Tyson s speed and Power could be be too much for Mercer.

 

Mercer is an interesting matchup, assuming the peak form of Mercer (1996 or so) shows up. Mercer has a 6in reach advantage and a great jab -- some of the ingredients Buster used to win. He's also got the size and strength to use some of the Holyfield tactics of smothering, and just bullying in general. Then add him not giving Tyson a rest, having the power to grind Tyson down (Mercer certainly doesn't hit less hard than Holyfield), and having the durability to survive the odd lucky shot or lucky combo, and he's got a real chance.

Against prime Mike, no, not happening. Mercer might hear the final bell, but he doesn't win.

 

I really, really would have liked to see 96 era Tyson fight Mercer. It would have been a good measuring stick to see what Mike had left. Prime Mike easily outboxes Ray, possibly a stoppage.

 

Tyson's hand speed is the difference , he lands combo bombs on Mercer that stifles Ray's offense. Be hard to see Mercer going 12, if he does he takes a beating.

 

Didn't Tyson duck him? There's no way Mercer would have turned down a fight with Tyson. Would have been one of his big paydays. I'd think some HW's watched the Lewis-Mercer fight and were like "hell no".

 

I think Mercer loses 12-0 and hugs his way to the finish line.

 

I see Mercer losing the fight due to his habit of a low offensive output. Tyson likely gets him out of there in 6 rounds. However I could see him wobbling Tyson or possibly getting a knockdown if he were to snap and start stringing together those hard hitting combinations. This is looking at a mid 90's Tyson when he was still decent.

If we're talking 80's peak Mike then no. I see this going the way of Tubbs where Mercer does okay for 1 round, then Tyson runs him out of there by round 2.

 

Tyson easily gets this one probably a knockout within 6 rounds

 

Would be an awesome fight. Ray was as hard as nails and feared no one. Against post prison Tyson I give Ray a good chance

 

Mercer was as tough as it gets. I think he goes the distance and could have his moments and who knows with Mike's fragile mentality but I have to pick Mike as long as he's done his proper training camp with rooney.

 

This has been done before. 80's Tyson by late round stoppage or wide UD.

90's Tyson is a toss up, depends on if he's in shape and conserves his energy. Both guys had solid chins but wavering hearts and it could end up being a very ugly, sloppy brawl with tons of elbows, leaning, and head butts. Tyson's decreased discipline, defense, head movement, and speed would level the playing field giving Mercer a chance to drag Tyson to his level and potentially win.

 

Post prison, after the Holyfield fights, I give Ray a good chance of actually stopping him. Mercer would be going nowhere and Tyson may lose his edge.

 

Tyson was losing his fast combos by then and more becoming a single shot head hunter. That is a **** strategy against Mercer. Just watch Mercer's fight with Lewis. There was one moment where Lewis got him with a fight ending uppercut. Beautiful shot, Mercer's head snapped way back and then.. he just hit Lewis right back.

A good version of Mercer gives later career Tyson a major problem.