Had this fight taken place in 1991, when both guys were likely at their peaks, I'd take the Ruddock who fought Tyson to decision the Mercer who Ko'd Morrison and Damiani, in a 12 round fight for say, the WBC intercontinental title. Mercer was tough no doubt, but I don't think he had the fire power of Mike Tyson or James Smith who Ruddock survived, and nor did he have the delivery mechanisms of a Lennox Lewis, which Razor fell victim to. Mercer was too slow and too short to land the kinds of heavy, accurate shots that Lewis did, and I think Ruddock, while taking loads of punishment himself, would likely outland him.. People forget ( or never saw ) how Mercer fought tooth and nail to beat Bert Cooper and was handedly outboxed by Damiani, before stopping him late.....
The Jaco fight wasn't a knockout. It was a stoppage, and if memory serves, I believe I read somewhere that it was actually a corner retirement after 8 rounds.. The fight happened in 1985, when Ruddock was 21 years old and had less than 9 pro fights... Jaco for all his shortcummings, was a 6'6" heavy weight with a record of 18-3.... By the late 80's, Ruddock had changed management, adjusted his style, was far more experienced and had filled out to being a very muscular speciment.... I don't see how the Jaco loss in 1985, has any bearing on how an early 90's meeting between Ruddock and mercer would go... Incidentally, Mercer and Ruddock shared a common opponent in 1990, named Kimmuel Odum.. He fought both men about 6 months apart, and I saw both fights.. The difference was that Mercer struggled for 12 rounds with Odum, while Ruddock aniolated him in 3... Just food for though..
If I had to pick, I'd say Ruddock by UD. He'd try and fail to stop Ray, but I fancy him to bounce enough of those lefts off Ray's stubbly noggin to earn him the win. Complain about his stamina all you want, but he went the full distance with Tyson and his best round was arguably the 12th there. I don't think his gas tank is anywhere near as bad as suggested (partly because he was always a very low-output guys since he ditched the jab anyway!)
Rudduck was just a different type of athlete and puncher to Mercer. mercer isnt stopping the Rudduck who went 12 with Iron Mike either. I'm sure Mercer sucks it up but loses a wide decision
Not to mention the first man to stop Tubbs, Biggs, Thomas, Mathis Jr, the only fighter to KO Holmes & Spinks and 22 (23 including coward Orlin Norris) 1st round KO's. Oh and this... This content is protected That guy is a pure troll and a disgrace to Ken Norton's name.
So your comparing Fields comp to Tysons? Who else knocked out old washed up Larry Holmes?? Say what?:blood Although he was knocking out HOF's. You said his power was overated, which it clearly wasnt, knocking out multiple champs and proven top level opposition is a pretty clear indication Tyson could punch hard. SO thats the reason he got KTFO? Biggs was a gold medalist and good pro. It was a solid win for Tyson. Mathis was his second comeback fight after serving prison time. Whats your point? I dont remember anyone claiming that was such a great accomplishment for Tyson? You obviously dont know too much, and your post is pretty foolish. Tyson faced just about everyone there was to face during his reign. His wins over solid top tier opposition was pretty impressive. He was pretty dominant over the very same fighters that gave a lot of his fellow ATG's some trouble in fights as well.. No Tyson never faced another fellow great in their respective prime, but neither did Lennox Lewis or Larry Holmes but that doesnt detract from their ability in my mind.
i would say the ruddock that fought dokes/bonecrusher and the 2 tysons would beat mercer.....after that i would say mercer...
fuk head jaco didnt knock out ruddock..........ruddock didnt come out of the corner to continue due to asthma