At Mercer's best, where he was taking Lennox's aboslute hardest shots and grinning at him, where would you rank the tank that was Ray Mercer? Did he have a top ten ATG chin at heavyweight? You could argue that before old age caught up to Ray he took Lennox's shots even better then McCall. Thoughts?
He had an elite chin, no question about it. I've always thought Mercer's chin can compare with the very best in any era.
Agreed, his chin is at the absolute top. I think his most impressive display of durability was against Wlad - Wlad was at the peak of his offensive capabilities and it sure showed. He threw and landed a tremendous amount of sharp, hard punches but Mercer only went down once in six rounds that probably were the longest of his career.
Not that Bert Cooper was in Wlad's league, but Bert could certainly crack back in the day. I will always remember Mercer's 1990 battle with Cooper as vividly as if it had happened last week. It was in the summer of 1990 when I was still in highschool. Mercer was around 15-0, and Cooper was coming off a big win over Orlin Norris. Those two guys slugged it out for 12 rounds until both were swollen beyond recognition....
Mercer ended up with a cheek that looked like a blown-up balloon (can't remember which side) and a broken finger if I recall.
I Believe you're right. Let's just say that it was ugly, but a crowd pleasing fight to say the least.
Morrison could crack too and he cracked Mercer several times and he didnt budge. Was amazing to see Holyfield drop Mercer just shows you how Evander could find the mark with this lefthook.
I would say Mercer had one of the top ten all time chins. I can only recall him being floored and hurt once in his prime, via the left hook from Holyfield.
and he was 41 at the time. Mercer was right up there with the absolute best ever .. Chuvalo, McCall, Mercer and Cobb ... Vitali is pretty solid himself but has not gotten hit enough ...