Ray Mercer vs Sonny Liston prime for prime

Liston, on paper, has all the advantages.

Mercer, in reality, has a heart as big as the Atlantic Ocean and the punch and chin to go with it. This and a bit of a jab was enough to see him being competitive with Lennox Lewis and I believe that if the ref didn't stop it, Wlad would have actually had to take Ray's head clean off to stop him, because there was no "no mas" in Mercer's heart.

Liston on the other hand lost twice to Ali when it seemed like he simply folded mentally.

I can see Liston coming on strong early, but in the later rounds when the damage starts to pile up - and Mercer will cause damage -and the fight is still hard, he starts cracking and Mercer puts him away.

 

This. Liston had a very accurate jab and would be very hard to hit for a guy like Mercer. Liston had a hard time with guys that were quick on their feet and had quick hands.

 

Sonny is the better boxer and hit harder, the thing is..his feet ae so slow, and sometimes he walk himself in the corner, i dont know if that works agains mefcer, who himself have a long reach, so maybe ray win by a late TKO, finish sonny, who stand in the corner and take to much punishment.
Or Sonny outbox Ray and win a UD or SD...
I vote for Sonny by SD

 

Soon as Williams caught Liston with a monster shot, Liston was like, **** this i'm taking him out. Looks as heavy handed naturally as anyone i've ever seen. This version of Sonny is a totally different proposition for Clay than the one he fought 4 yrs later. I picked Liston by SD against Mercer, but I think its not out of the question that he stops Mercer late. Them heavy shots can not be taken constantly by even Mercers jaw !

 

mercer wins

 

Agree completely.

 

good stuff

 

Sonny UD, possible late stoppage.

On another note, I don't think much of the round card girls from back in the day.

 

I will put my money on Mercer! Strong fighters but mercers chin its another level!

 

I go with Mercer. Liston is kind of a big fish in a small pond type situation whereas Mercer had to compete against one of the best heavyweight eras and Mercer did pretty good for himself. If Mercer's chin could stand up against Lennox Lewis and Tommy Morrison, it would have withstood Liston as well. However, Liston probably would not have withstood Mercer's punishment. Mercer was like an anvil.