Ron had better skills and mobility, and he could also be very smart in his boxing with Chickie Ferrara's counsel. Ray was badly out boxed by Damiani, and was getting beaten by Morrison. Lyle combined their skill and power.
Wow, Lyle is actually the favorite here. I'm suprised. I'm wondering how Lyle would fight here. Mercer would probably go after him with his jab, and try to knock him out like he usually does, but I'm not sure about Lyle, who could box or slug.
If it goes to the scorecards I might favor Lyle because Mercer at every stage of his career could be lazy. But Lyles durability is a big question mark here. People kind of give Lyles chin more credit than it deserves, imo, Ali isn't a big puncher and he knocked Lyle out rather suddenly. And Lyle wasn't gassed like Foreman against Ali, so he doesn't have that excuse either. For all Mercer lacked, he sure as hell didn't lack power or durability. And he's not going to be stopped by someone whose only KO win over anyone meaningful was a chinny Shavers who had punched himself out after coming within inches of finishing Lyle off early. I see Mercer as the only one here with a real chance to win by KO. My pick would be Mercer coming from behind and finishing Lyle off while behind on the scorecards, around 8 or 9. Close fight but both at their respective bests I would favor Mercer by KO late.
True but I think Mercer was more durable... Mercer was more durable than most. If there is a KO it's gonna be Mercer who scores it. If it goes to the cards I'll take Lyle. Most likely Lyle on points.
