Two extremely durable and tough heavyweights with decent power. Neither were particularly quick or very skilled. Mercer probably had a better jab.
I think the Holyfield fight shows a ton of skills.I cant see Cobb beating the gold Olympic medalist.Mercer all around was sold fighter ,well balnce of power and speed,slighlty under Holyfield really ,just over shadowed with some mediodre performances. Certainly no easy guy to fight even in the Lewis fight he pressured him like hell.I don't see much in Cobb tbh,a tough rugged guy but many 70's guys were,i think Mercer does well in that era tbh.
Mercer was the better boxer but depends what mood he's in if he's off cobb would outwork him .it goes the distance.
Mercer often overlooked the lesser fighters. He'd consider Cobb a lesser fighter, as opposed to Holyfield and Lewis, and struggle to a close UD.
Mercer was a level or two ahead of Cobb, so I see him a winner on points. Cobb was a tough SOB and had very good stamina, so he would have his say. But his skills were merely competent, and he was an arm puncher. I can't see Mercer having much to fear in the long run.
Mercer was a classic underachiever...more talented than big Tex, but you never knew which Ray would show up. He should win, but I wouldn't bet a nickel on it.
