Klitschko - Mercer Countdown

By Idaho-Tom

28.06 - The first time I saw Klitschko was during the 1996 Olympics when he fought Lawrence Clay-Bey. I was surprised to find that he was not your typical stand-up stiff European boxer. But instead a huge, well balanced fighter from Ukraine. I also noticed that he also had a terrific jab. Here are some fights I remember watching from his past.

Phil Jackson: Using that wonderful jab of his, he ended the fight in the 2nd round by setting up a hook-cross-hook combination that put Phil's lights out.

David Bostice: Again he showed the strong jab and a quick left hook. He just showed way too much power and speed for Bostice.

Monte Barrett: Barrett was good but just too small and didn't have the power. In this fight I saw Wlad getting a little tired. In the mid rounds Wlad's finishing combos are quick and crisp.

Derrick Jefferson: Wlad threw a great counter to drop the power puncher in the 1st. Jefferson was so game that after being slammed by a blistering overhand right, he got to his feet and wanted to go on!! When Derrick came inside, Wlad threw 2 short left hooks to the head and that was all she wrote!

Charles Shufford: This was the fight where I saw Wlad throw the double pump jab. He was constantly aggressive and Shufford seemed a little scared. Wlad showed some really cool body movement that he had back in 96. The left hook that ended the fight traveled about 12 inches!!

I've been a Ray Mercer fan for years! I can remember watching him blast out guys like David Hopkins and Arthel Lawhorne. Ray didn't only have power and speed but had probably the best chin I ever saw on a fighter.

Smokin' Bert Cooper: This was a very cool fight with both fighters landing great power shots! Mercer won the decision but after the fight he looked like Bert shoved his glove in his mouth.

Francisco Damini: He was way behind on this fight when he fired a shot and clipped the tip of Damiani's nose and broke it clean. When he got to his feet, the blood just oozed out and Ray won on a 9th round TKO.

Tommy Morrison: Do I have to mention the most brutal knockout since Cooney KO'd Norton? Boxing fans noticed Mercers chin as The Duke pounded him for 3 solid rounds! The 5th round made stomach's turn as Ray delivered 18-20 unanswered punches to an unconscious Morrison.

Larry Holmes: Facing the master Holmes he just got out boxed and out smarted.

Evander Holyfield: He had Evander beat and either lost focus or just plain got burnt out. Evander dropped Ray for the first time in his career and went on to score a un.decision.

Lennox Lewis: Look, I had Ray winning rounds 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, & 10. Enough said.

Jeff Pegues: This was the last time I watched Ray fight. He still had the nice jab. Towards the end of the 2nd round he he caught Jeff on top of the head and wobbled him. Another cross sent Jeff to the ropes and the ref was just too far out of reach when Ray clocked Jeff right through the ropes. The last time I saw a punch like that was when Razor Ruddock drilled Michael Dokes!

BOTTOM LINE:
This has the makings of a classic upset if Wladimir lets Ray get into the fight. Even with his age Ray
still has a quick jab and power. He also has that strong chin. If Ray moves to the inside and works the body, it could be a very long night. With Wlad he has to stay on the outside use the stiff jab. He has to stay out of range and when the time is right, throw the powerful overhand right. Wlad also has one of the greatest left hooks in the sport today. Short and crisp! I don't think this will be a boring fight. If Chris Byrd doesn't get the next shot at Lennox, the winner of this fight should.