Lyle was the more dynamic puncher but Merciless Ray a better chin. Lyle fought well against legends Ali and Foreman. Mercer stormed back to decapitate Morrison and withstood Lennox Lewis' bombs in a very close and competitive fight. With both men in their primes (remember Lyle got a late start in boxing) who would pick to win and how?
Mercer had days when he could have been the best heavyweight in the division, and had others where he absolutely sucked.. If we were to take both men at their very best, then I might go with Lyle by a decision. On an average night, however Mercer could have scored a knockout.
Actually this is a thread ive been wanting to post for a while, since ive always thought this is a pretty even matchup. At Mercers best(Lewis,Holyfield) id take Mercer by close but convincing Decision or possible late Tko. Lyle beats up the ordinary Ray Mercer.
True fellas Mercer was uncommonly durable and strong but I think Lyle's boxing skills are underrated. Mainly based on his fine performance for 10 rounds against Ali before he got stopped in the 11th. I think Lyle would quickly realize that he would not be able to knock Mercer out and would be content to outbox the lumbering Mercer. Lyle was not know as a great boxer in his day and compared to the likes of Ali, Young, Holmes, etc. he wasn't. But compared to what came on the scene later Lyle's boxing skills could be considered to be quite good IMO.
I think it all comes down to who tires first. I think Lyle has the right style to outbox Mercer (lateral movement, a good jab and the ability to parry the jab very well) but Lyle's stamina is a big concern. If Ali could hurt Lyle late, I'm certain a heavy puncher like Mercer could... IF he connects! Basically, there's a short window where, if Lyle tires first, Mercer can take advantage. On the other hand, even when he was in shape Mercer's stamina was poor for a pressure-fighter and if Mercer tires first, I think Lyle would get a hard-won decision. I think the second is slightly more likely, so I go with Lyle by UD.
I think Mercer wins. He is the exposer of heavies with bad chins or shaky stamina. An on Mercer was a tough out. He had a very good jab, a chin or iron, and great finishing power when his opponent was hurt.
If Mercer is at his best, I go with Mercer. I had much higher hopes for Ray than he lived up to. I was disappointed to hear about that possible bribe attempt and disappointed when I thought he edged out Lewis and didn't get the decision. I don't see Lyle stopping Mercer. Look what it took to finally stop Mercer and only when he was way past his best. In his prime he had one of the most reliable chins I've ever seen and he could crack too. I think he takes the judges out of the equation in that one.
Both men were pretty durable, but Mercer gets the nod there. Lyle had a little more boxing ability. Both men could punch but better than average not killer punchers. better condition, I would give Lyle the nod here. I see this as a close fight Ray was durable and had decent power but could be outboxed and outworked. On a good night Ray may be the stronger man but Ray was erratic and not always fit....SD Mercer or Lyle
Can you honestly see Lyle scoring a knockout over Ray Mercer? The man hit hard, yes, but Lyle was no KO artist, and Mercer had more than enough ability to take a pounding from the best of them.... Lennox Lewis, Tommy Morrison, Tim Witherspoon and Bert Cooper all had bigger punches than Lyle, along with more than enough technical ability to land them flush.... I can see an argument for Lyle taking a decision, but it would take a well seasoned expert to convince me that he's leaving the ring with a KO or stoppage victory.
