12 or 15 Rounds Heavyweight Bout
Mercer would be "Merciless" by getting the better of Bugner with his own jabs and body punches along with big left hooks and right hands to take a decision. What do you guys think and who do you got?
Ray Mercer vs. Joe Bugner
Re: Ray Mercer vs. Joe Bugner
Bugner would outpoint Mercer in a snoozer. Damiani managed it for eight rounds, as did Jesse Ferguson. Joe was very savy and in his prime rarely took a clean punch.
Re: Ray Mercer vs. Joe Bugner
This is another great match-up, not so much for entertainment value but rather from a tactical-analytical perspective. Lots of interesting things could happen between this pair.
First, it definitely goes the distance. Both fighters had brick chins and could fight well defensively, especially Bugner. Mercer had a powerful punch, but there's no way he'd hurt Joe, who'd go into an defensive shell when under attack. And Bugner didn't have the power to hurt Mercer. So, no early ending here.
Second, I see two factors that would drive the outcome. One is whether Mercer could use his superior power and aggression to force Bugner to cover up on the ropes too much. If so, Ray wins a decision. The second factor is, assuming Bugner is able to keep the fight in center ring, which guy uses his jab most effectively. That fighter - and it could either one - would win the decision.
So I say this fight is a toss up, leaning in favor Bugner.
On a final note, I'll say with confidence that, if Mercer puts on one of his sluggish, out-of-shape performances, then Bugner wins easily and by a wide margin.
First, it definitely goes the distance. Both fighters had brick chins and could fight well defensively, especially Bugner. Mercer had a powerful punch, but there's no way he'd hurt Joe, who'd go into an defensive shell when under attack. And Bugner didn't have the power to hurt Mercer. So, no early ending here.
Second, I see two factors that would drive the outcome. One is whether Mercer could use his superior power and aggression to force Bugner to cover up on the ropes too much. If so, Ray wins a decision. The second factor is, assuming Bugner is able to keep the fight in center ring, which guy uses his jab most effectively. That fighter - and it could either one - would win the decision.
So I say this fight is a toss up, leaning in favor Bugner.
On a final note, I'll say with confidence that, if Mercer puts on one of his sluggish, out-of-shape performances, then Bugner wins easily and by a wide margin.