Ray Mercer: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 13:04, 14 November 2025

Template:Short description Template:BLP sources Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox martial artist

Raymond Anthony Mercer (born April 4, 1961) is an American former professional boxer, kickboxer, and mixed martial artist who competed from 1989 to 2009. As an amateur, he won the heavyweight gold medal at the 1988 Summer Olympics.^[1]

In 1991, Mercer captured the WBO heavyweight title and later successfully defended it against Tommy Morrison whom he previously decisioned 5-0 during 1988 Summer Olympics trials.^[2] He subsequently vacated the belt. Mercer was nicknamed "Merciless" for his punching power and aggressive fighting style, a moniker that followed him throughout his professional career.^[2]^[3]

In 2004, Mercer competed in a kickboxing match against four-time K-1 Japan tournament champion Musashi, losing by unanimous decision.^[4]

In 2009, he made a brief appearance in mixed martial arts, defeating former two-time UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia by first-round knockout.

Early life

Mercer is the son of retired NCO Raymond Mercer Sr. and spent his childhood in Fort Benning, Georgia and Hanau, West Germany as part of a military family.^[5] He later recalled: Template:Main other

Mercer played high school football as a linebacker in Hanau, Germany, and later graduated from Richmond County Academy in Augusta, Georgia. The following year, he enlisted in the United States Army.^[5]

Military service

Mercer served with the U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR), under V Corps, in the infantry. He was stationed with Company D, 1st Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment in Baumholder, West Germany.^[6] He achieved the rank of sergeant.^[7]

Amateur boxing career

Mercer began boxing at age 23 while serving in the United States Army. He later stated that he had never worn gloves prior to his enlistment. "The Army taught me everything I know about boxing," explained Mercer. Mercer was offered the chance to avoid a 30-day field exercise by becoming a sparring partner for the post's heavyweight boxing champion.^[8]

His first organized bout came in 1983 at Schweinfurt, West Germany. After winning his battalion box-off, he went on to claim the brigade title. After that, Mercer claimed, "I won the VII Corps novice and open championships and finished second at U.S. Army, Europe."^[9] Mercer recalled being physically challenged early in his amateur career:

"I came back from that first day of sparring with a bleeding nose and my lips swollen. For two months, I got pounded. But then it became a challenge. I'm not a quitter. I figured the other guy learned the moves, so could I."

Mercer became the 1985 U.S. Army and inter-service heavyweight champion, alongside Wesley Watson, who was the inter-service super heavyweight title.^[10] That same year, Army Coach Hank Johnson sought to recruit Mercer for a stateside training camp for the 1988 Olympics, Mercer turned down the offer.^[5]

Throughout the late 1980s, Mercer continued to compete successfully in military-sponsored competitions. He won three USAREUR crowns while carrying the banner for V Corps,^[6] with his first victory coming less than a year after his first amateur fight.^[11] While still serving with USAREUR, Mercer had several more amateur bouts in Germany between 1986—1987, and he also competed internationally in Western European open tournaments.^[6]

In the summer of 1988, he won the inter-service heavyweight championship again,^[12] before applying for the all-Army boxing trial camp to win a spot on the Army team.^[9] Mercer won the 1988 United States amateur heavyweight championship.^[13] At the USA vs. Cuba match-up, he twice staggered Félix Savón, but was impeded from doing further damage by the Cuban referee, Alfredo Toledo.^[14] Mercer subsequently defeated Yugoslavian Željko Mavrović to win the tournament.^[15]

1988 Olympics

Mercer was the oldest member of the US boxing team at the 1988 Summer Olympics.^[16] Despite this, many regarded him as one of the team's most talented boxers.^[17] During the games, Muhammad Ali's former trainer Angelo Dundee noted that Mercer and teammate Andrew Maynard each had the potential to develop into world champions after becoming professionals. Dundee claimed that "Mercer's 27, but that's not too old. The maturity is there. And the punch. Give him 10 fights as a pro and he'd be ready to start moving up."^[18] According to Kelvin Richardson of the '88 All-Army Team, Mercer was such a hard puncher that he frequently knocked his sparring partners out of the ring, even while wearing 16-ounce gloves. As a result, his super heavyweight Olympic teammate Riddick Bowe avoided sparring with him.^[19]

Prior to the start of the Olympics, Mercer's fellow soldiers in Germany signed a large banner for him and shipped it to Seoul. During a post-fight interview, he described the significance of their support to the audience, saying "That banner really picked me up. I'm fighting for the people of the United States, but especially for the ones back in my unit."^[20]

Mercer knocked out all four of his Olympic opponents en route to winning gold as a heavyweight.^[21] He was named the United States Armed Forces Athlete of the Year in November 1988 following his Olympic victory. In January 1989, Mercer was honorably discharged from the Army and began his professional boxing career.^[22]

Professional boxing career

Script error: No such module "labelled list hatnote". Mercer began his professional boxing career in January 1989, winning his debut bout via a third-round TKO against Jesse McGhee.^[23] In August 1990, he knocked down and outpointed Bert Cooper in a 12-round brawl that earned him Cooper's NABF title.^[24]

Final fights

Mercer retired in 2008 as a one-time major title holder with a record of 36–7–1 (26 KOs).^[25]

Mixed martial arts career

Mercer explored mixed martial arts as early as 2003 when he was scheduled to face Kazuyuki Fujita, who was 9–4 across his MMA career. The fight was to be held in Kobe, Japan as the main event of the Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye in an MMA ring. However, the bout was cancelled after Mercer missed his flight to the country.^[26]

On March 21, 2007, Cage Fury Fighting Championships announced that Mercer had signed to face underground street fighter Kimbo Slice at Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall as part of Cage Fury Fighting Championship 5. The bout was a non-sanctioned exhibition under the New Jersey Unified MMA rules,^[27] with both men making their professional MMA debuts. Slice won the fight in the first round with a guillotine choke submission. Afterwards, Mercer said he would be sticking with boxing since he "can't get choked out in boxing."^[28]

In March 2010, it was announced that Mercer had signed with the King of the Cage organization, but no bouts materialized.^[29] At 1–0, he was scheduled to face at the time undefeated MMA fighter and Kickboxer Ron Sparks, but the bout was cancelled due to a lingering injury Mercer had sustained 13 years earlier.^[30]^[31]

Professional boxing record

Template:BoxingRecordSummary

No.	Result	Record	Opponent	Type	Round, time	Date	Location	Notes
44	Win	36–7–1	Richel Hersisia	MD	6	Sep 5, 2008	Nöjesfabriken, Karlstad, SwedenScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
43	Loss	35–7–1	Derric Rossy	UD	12	Jan 26, 2008	Venetian Arena, Macau, SARScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	For vacant WBC–ABCO, WBF International, and WBO–NABO interim heavyweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
42	Win	35–6–1	Mikael Lindblad	KO	1, 1:50Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Sep 15, 2007	Löfbergs Arena, Karlstad, SwedenScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
41	Loss	34–6–1	Shannon Briggs	KO	7 (10), 0:41Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Aug 26, 2005	Hard Rock Live, Hollywood, Florida, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
40	Win	34–5–1	Darroll Wilson	UD	10	Jun 24, 2005	Nikki Beach Concert Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
39	Win	33–5–1	Steve Pannell	TKO	3 (10), 0:50Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Feb 28, 2004	Seminole Casino, Coconut Creek, Florida, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
38	Win	32–5–1	Shawn Robinson	TKO	3 (10), 1:49Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Nov 11, 2003	Caesars, Elizabeth, Indiana, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
37	Win	31–5–1	Mario Cawley	KO	3 (10), 1:08Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Aug 23, 2003	Seminole Casino, Coconut Creek, Florida, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
36	Loss	30–5–1	Wladimir Klitschko	TKO	6 (12), 1:08Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Jun 29, 2002	Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	For WBO heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
35	Win	30–4–1	Troy Weida	TKO	1 (10), 0:28Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Feb 23, 2002	Bally's Park Place, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
34	Win	29–4–1	Brian Scott	KO	2 (10), 0:57Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Oct 13, 2001	Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
33	Win	28–4–1	Don Steele	KO	5 (10), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Mar 17, 2001	Silver Star Hotel & Casino, Choctaw, Mississippi, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
32	Win	27–4–1	Jeff Pegues	TKO	2 (10), 2:59Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Feb 11, 2001	Grand Victoria Casino, Elgin, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
31	Win	26–4–1	Jimmy Haynes	KO	1 (10), 0:43Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Dec 18, 1999	Grand Casino, Tunica, Mississippi, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
30	Win	25–4–1	Leo Loiacono	KO	2 (10), 0:46Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Feb 21, 1998	Miccosukee Resort & Gaming, Miami, Florida, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
29	Win	24–4–1	Tim Witherspoon	UD	10	Dec 14, 1996	Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
28	Loss	23–4–1	Lennox Lewis	MD	10	May 10, 1996	Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
27	Loss	23–3–1	Evander Holyfield	UD	10	May 20, 1995	Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
26	Template:DrawDraw	23–2–1	Marion Wilson	SD	10	Jul 28, 1994	Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
25	Win	23–2	Jesse Ferguson	SD	10	Nov 19, 1993	Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
24	Win	22–2	Mark Wills	UD	10	Oct 6, 1993	Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
23	Win	21–2	Tony Willis	TKO	1 (10), 2:11Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Aug 12, 1993	Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
22	Loss	20–2	Jesse Ferguson	UD	10	Feb 6, 1993	Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
21	Win	20–1	Jerry Halstead	RTD	2 (12), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Dec 10, 1992	Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
20	Win	19–1	Mike Dixon	RTD	7 (10), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Oct 7, 1992	County Center, Augusta, Georgia, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
19	Loss	18–1	Larry Holmes	UD	12	Feb 7, 1992	Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
18	Win	18–0	Tommy Morrison	TKO	5 (12), 0:28Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Oct 18, 1991	Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Retained WBO heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
17	Win	17–0	Francesco Damiani	KO	9 (12), 2:47Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Jan 11, 1991	Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Won WBO heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
16	Win	16–0	Bert Cooper	UD	12	Aug 5, 1990	Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Won NABF heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
15	Win	15–0	Lionel Washington	TKO	4 (10), 1:59Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	May 31, 1990	Community War Memorial, Rochester, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
14	Win	14–0	Kimmuel Odum	UD	12	Mar 2, 1990	Hacienda, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Won vacant IBF Inter-Continental heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
13	Win	13–0	Wesley Watson	TKO	5 (10), 0:44Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Jan 15, 1990	Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
12	Win	12–0	Ossie Ocasio	SD	8	Dec 7, 1989	The Mirage, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
11	Win	11–0	Jerry Jones	UD	8	Nov 14, 1989	South Mountain Arena, West Orange, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
10	Win	10–0	Eddie Richardson	TKO	1 (8), 2:16Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Oct 17, 1989	State Fairgrounds, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
9	Win	9–0	Arthel Lawhorne	TKO	2 (10), 1:05Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Sep 19, 1989	Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
8	Win	8–0	Dino Homsey	TKO	1 (8), 1:58Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Sep 5, 1989	Harrah's Lake Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
7	Win	7–0	Tracy Thomas	KO	1 (6), 2:09Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Aug 15, 1989	South Mountain Arena, West Orange, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
6	Win	6–0	Al Evans	TKO	1 (6), 2:55Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Jul 15, 1989	Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
5	Win	5–0	Ken Crosby	KO	1 (6), 2:45Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Jun 12, 1989	Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
4	Win	4–0	David Hopkins	KO	1 (4), 1:07Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	May 16, 1989	Tyndall Armory, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
3	Win	3–0	Garing Lane	UD	4	Mar 28, 1989	Showboat Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
2	Win	2–0	Luis Walford	KO	1 (4)	Mar 4, 1989	Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
1	Win	1–0	Jesse McGhee	TKO	3 (4), 0:30Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Feb 24, 1989	Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Kickboxing record

0 Wins (0 (T) KO's, 0 decision), 2 Losses
Date	Result	Record	Opponent	Event	Method	Round	Time	Location
March 15, 2005	Loss	0–2	Template:Flagicon Remy Bonjasky	K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in Seoul	TKO (Right High Kick)	1	0:22	Template:Flagicon Seoul, South Korea
June 6, 2004	Loss	0–1	Template:Flagicon Musashi	K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 in Nagoya	Decision (Unanimous)	3	3:00	Template:Flagicon Nagoya, Japan

Mixed martial arts record

Template:MMArecordbox

Professional record

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Exhibition record

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References

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External links

Template:BoxRec
Template:First word Professional MMA record for Template:Removeaccents from Sherdog Template:EditAtWikidata Template:WikidataCheck

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U.S. heavyweight champion 1988 Template:S-ttl/check Template:S-after Template:S-text
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Preceded by Template:Delink question hyphen-minus Template:S-bef/filter Template:S-bef/filter Template:S-bef/filter Template:S-bef/filter Template:S-bef/filter Template:S-bef/filter Template:S-bef/filter Template:S-bef/filter Template:S-bef/filter Template:S-bef/check	WBO heavyweight champion January 11, 1991 – December 28, 1991 Vacated Template:S-ttl/check Template:S-vac Template:S-end Template:Footer Olympic Champions Boxing Heavyweight Template:Footer USA Boxing 1988 Summer Olympics

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Ray Mercer: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 13:04, 14 November 2025

Contents

Early life

Military service

Amateur boxing career

1988 Olympics

Professional boxing career

Final fights

Mixed martial arts career

Professional boxing record

Kickboxing record

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record

Exhibition record

References

External links

Navigation menu

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Multiple issues|
+{{short description|American boxer, kickboxer and mixed martial artist}}
 {{BLP sources|date=September 2017}}
-{{Peacock|date=June 2025}}
-}}
-{{short description|American boxer, kickboxer and mixed martial artist}}
 {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2016}}
 {{Infobox martial artist
-| name = Ray Mercer
+| name           = Ray Mercer
-| image = Ray Mercer, 1988.JPEG
+| image          = Ray Mercer, 1988.JPEG
-| caption = Mercer in 1988
+| caption        = Mercer in 1988
-| birth_name = Raymond Anthony Mercer
+| birth_name     = Raymond Anthony Mercer
-| other_names = Merciless
+| other_names    = Merciless
-| nationality =
+| nationality    = American
-| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1961|4|4}}
+| birth_date     = {{birth date and age|1961|4|4}}
-| birth_place = [[Jacksonville, Florida]], U.S.
+| birth_place    = [[Jacksonville, Florida]], U.S.
-| height = 6 ft 1 in
+| height         = 6 ft 1 in
-| weight_class = {{plainlist|
+| weight_class   = {{plainlist|
 *[[Heavyweight]]
 }}
-| reach = 77 in
+| reach          = 77 in
-| stance = Orthodox
+| stance         = Orthodox
-| years_active = {{plainlist|
+| years_active   = {{plainlist|
 *1989–2008 (boxing)
 *2004–2005 (kickboxing)
 *2007, 2009 (MMA)
 }}
-| box_win = 36
+| box_win        = 36
-| box_kowin = 26
+| box_kowin      = 26
-| box_loss = 7
+| box_loss       = 7
-| box_koloss = 2
+| box_koloss     = 2
-| box_draw = 1
+| box_draw       = 1
-| kickbox_loss = 2
+| kickbox_loss   = 2
 | kickbox_koloss = 1
-| mma_win = 1
+| mma_win        = 1
-| mma_kowin = 1
+| mma_kowin      = 1
-| updated = April 5, 2023
+| mma_subloss    =
-| boxrec = 1620
+| children       =
-| sherdog = 22389
+| updated        = April 5, 2023
+| boxrec         = 1620
+| sherdog        = 22389
 | medaltemplates =
-{{MedalSport | Men's [[amateur Boxing]] }}
+{{MedalSport | Men's [[amateur boxing]] }}
 {{MedalCountry | {{USA}} }}
 {{MedalOlympics}}
 {{MedalGold | [[1988 Summer Olympics|1988 Seoul]] | [[Boxing at the 1988 Summer Olympics – Heavyweight|Heavyweight]]}}
-|mma_subloss=|children=9}}
+}}
-'''Raymond Anthony Mercer''' (born April 4, 1961) is a former [[United States|American]] [[professional boxer]], [[kickboxer]], and [[mixed martial artist]] who competed from 1989 to 2009. Mercer won a [[heavyweight]] gold medal at the [[1988 Summer Olympics]] as an [[amateur boxing|amateur]], and later held the [[World Boxing Organization|WBO]] [[heavyweight]] title in 1991 as a professional, making one successful [[Ray Mercer vs. Tommy Morrison|title defense against]] [[Tommy Morrison]] before vacating his championship. though he fought and lost a controversial [[Evander Holyfield vs. Ray Mercer|unanimous decision fight]] to former champion [[Evander Holyfield]], he scored a notable unanimous decision win over two-time heavyweight champion [[Tim Witherspoon]] in 1996. Throughout his entire fighting career in the 1990s, Mercer never lost a fight to stoppage.
+'''Raymond Anthony Mercer''' (born April 4, 1961) is an American former [[professional boxing|professional boxer]], [[kickboxing|kickboxer]], and [[mixed martial arts|mixed martial artist]] who competed from 1989 to 2009. As an [[amateur]], he won the [[heavyweight]] gold medal at the [[1988 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Herrholz |first=Eric J. |date=2023-08-20 |title=Remembering Ray Mercer |url=https://www.fight.tv/post/remembering-ray-mercer |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=FIGHT.TV}}</ref>
-As a [[Kickboxing|kickboxer]], he fought the likes of former four-time K-1 Japan tournament champion [[Musashi (kickboxer)|Musashi]] in 2004, and as a mixed martial artist, he scored a notable first-round [[knockout]] win over former two-time [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]] heavyweight champion [[Tim Sylvia]] in 2009.
+In 1991, Mercer captured the [[World Boxing Organization|WBO]] heavyweight title and later successfully defended it against [[Tommy Morrison]] whom he previously decisioned 5-0 during [[1988 Summer Olympics]] trials.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Davies |first=Ben |date=2024-12-19 |title=Ray Mercer showed actor who starred in ''Rocky'' no mercy with 19 brutal shots |url=https://talksport.com/boxing/2403001/ray-mercer-tommy-morrison-rocky-ko/ |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=talkSPORT}}</ref> He subsequently vacated the belt. Mercer was nicknamed '''"Merciless"''' for his punching power and aggressive fighting style, a moniker that followed him throughout his professional career.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-08-28 |title="Merciless" Ray Mercer – The heavyweight who won't retire! |url=https://www.boxing247.com/weblog/archives/121073 |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=Boxing247.com}}</ref>
-==Early life==
+In 2004, Mercer competed in a [[kickboxing]] match against four-time [[K-1]] Japan tournament champion [[Musashi (kickboxer)|Musashi]], losing by unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2005-08-25 |title=MaxBoxing: The 'Mercernary' |url=https://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=2142665 |access-date=2025-07-16 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>
-Mercer, the son of retired [[Non-commissioned officer|Army NCO]] Raymond Mercer Sr., grew up as a [[military brat (U.S. subculture)|military brat]] in [[Fort Benning, Georgia]], and later in [[Hanau, Germany|Hanau, West Germany]]. He later recalled:
-{{Cquote|"As a kid I was a little hardheaded. I had a tough time in school until my father, Raymond, he was a mechanic in the military, got me straight. When he was in the field, whether at [[Fort Benning, Georgia]], or in Germany, I'd take advantage of my mother and act up. My father tried to get me to play some kind of sports. I was negative. Team sports wasn't in my blood. I'd come home and play [[Go-Karts]] or shoot [[BB gun]]s or ride choppers. With my father, I was fishing by the age of nine and hunting by fourteen. We'd go for deer, rabbit, and squirrel at Fort Benning. My father had a good life in the military. I figured I'd do the same. I wanted to go back to Germany. I liked it over there."
-| source = —Ray Mercer on his childhood.<ref name="Berger1991">{{cite news |last= Berger|first= Phil|date= October 17, 1991|title= Neither Mercer Nor Morrison Set Out to Make His Living in the Ring|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1991/10/17/sports/boxing-neither-mercer-nor-morrison-set-out-to-make-his-living-in-the-ring.html|work= The New York Times|page= 14|access-date= 2019-06-18}}</ref>
-}}
-Mercer played [[linebacker]] in high school in [[Hanau]] and did not plan to pursue a college education. After graduating from Richmond County Academy in [[Augusta, Georgia]], he coasted for a year before enlisting in the Army.<ref name="Berger1991" />
+In 2009, he made a brief appearance in [[mixed martial arts]], defeating former two-time [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]] heavyweight champion [[Tim Sylvia]] by first-round knockout.
-===Street Fighting Background and Jiu-Jitsu Cross-Training===
+==Early life==
-Mercer's foundation in combat was forged not only in the boxing ring but also through real-life street fights, which he credited for developing his resilience and mental toughness. He often emphasized that the unpredictability and raw nature of street brawls taught lessons that couldn’t be learned in a traditional boxing gym.
+Mercer is the son of retired [[non-commissioned officer|NCO]] Raymond Mercer Sr. and spent his childhood in [[Fort Benning, Georgia]] and [[Hanau, Germany|Hanau, West Germany]] as part of a military family.<ref name="Berger1991">{{cite news |last= Berger|first= Phil|date= October 17, 1991|title= Neither Mercer Nor Morrison Set Out to Make His Living in the Ring|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1991/10/17/sports/boxing-neither-mercer-nor-morrison-set-out-to-make-his-living-in-the-ring.html|work= The New York Times|page= 14|access-date= 2019-06-18}}</ref> He later recalled:
+{{Cquote|"As a kid I was a little hardheaded. I had a tough time in school until my father, Raymond, he was a mechanic in the [[military]], got me straight. When he was in the field, whether at [[Fort Benning, Georgia]], or in Germany, I'd take advantage of my mother and act up. My father tried to get me to play some kind of sports. I was negative. Team sports wasn't in my blood. I'd come home and play [[Go-Karts]] or shoot [[BB gun]]s or ride choppers. With my father, I was fishing by the age of nine and hunting by fourteen. We'd go for deer, rabbit, and squirrel at Fort Benning. My father had a good life in the military. I figured I'd do the same. I wanted to go back to Germany. I liked it over there."<ref name="Berger1991" />}}
-Ahead of his transition into [[mixed martial arts]], particularly for his bout against [[Kimbo Slice]], Mercer trained in [[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]] to expand his skill set beyond striking. This cross-training effort reflected his belief in blending technical proficiency with street-hardened instincts, setting him apart as a fighter who bridged the gap between structured combat sports and the unpredictability of real-world fighting.
+Mercer played high school football as a [[linebacker]] in [[Hanau]], [[Germany]], and later graduated from Richmond County Academy in [[Augusta, Georgia]]. The following year, he enlisted in the [[United States Army]].<ref name="Berger1991" />
 ==Military service==
-Mercer served with the [[USAREUR]], [[V Corps (United States)|V Corps]], [[Infantry Branch (United States)|infantry]], he was stationed with Company D, 1st Battalion, [[39th Infantry Regiment (United States)|39th Infantry]], in [[Baumholder]], [[West Germany]].<ref name="Rogers">{{cite journal |last1= Rogers|first1= David R.|last2= Dove|first2= Billy|date= September 1988|title= Soldiers Vie For Olympics|url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112042557675&view=1up&seq=528|journal= Soldiers|volume= 43|issue= 9|page= 46|issn= 0093-8440|access-date= 2019-06-18}}</ref> His last military rank was [[sergeant (United States)|sergeant]].<ref>{{cite journal |date= November 1988|title= Army Olympic Update|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=yjhEAQAAIAAJ&pg=RA8-PA71|journal= Army|volume= 38|issue= 11|page= 71|issn= 0004-2455|access-date= 2019-06-18}}</ref>
+Mercer served with the [[United States Army Europe|U.S. Army Europe]] (USAREUR), under [[V Corps (United States)|V Corps]], in the [[Infantry Branch (United States)|infantry]]. He was stationed with Company D, 1st Battalion, [[39th Infantry Regiment (United States)|39th Infantry Regiment]] in [[Baumholder]], [[West Germany]].<ref name="Rogers">{{cite journal |last1= Rogers|first1= David R.|last2= Dove|first2= Billy|date= September 1988|title= Soldiers Vie For Olympics|url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112042557675&view=1up&seq=528|journal= Soldiers|volume= 43|issue= 9|page= 46|issn= 0093-8440|access-date= 2019-06-18}}</ref> He achieved the rank of [[sergeant (United States)|sergeant]].<ref>{{cite journal |date= November 1988|title= Army Olympic Update|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=yjhEAQAAIAAJ&pg=RA8-PA71|journal= Army|volume= 38|issue= 11|page= 71|issn= 0004-2455|access-date= 2019-06-18}}</ref>
 ==Amateur boxing career==
-Mercer started boxing at the age of 23 while serving in the U.S. Army in West Germany. Mercer said he had never even put on a pair of gloves until after he enlisted, "The Army taught me everything I know about boxing," explained Mercer. He first boxed in an organized competition in 1983 at [[Schweinfurt, Germany|Schweinfurt, West Germany]]. He first won the brigade title after winning the battalion box-off. After that, Mercer claimed, "I won the VII Corps novice and open championships and finished second at U.S. Army, Europe."<ref name="Schad1989">{{cite journal |last= Schad|first= Dave|date= January 1989|title= Three Gold Medals|url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112098031427&view=1up&seq=21|journal= Soldiers|volume= 44|issue= 1|page= 17|issn= 0093-8440|access-date= 2019-06-18}}</ref> While he had [[street fighting|street fights]] as a youth, it wasn't until he was offered a chance to avoid a 30-day field exercise in the winter of 1984 by serving as a [[sparring partner]] for the post's heavyweight champion that he found a sanctioned way to use his aggression. The beginnings were tough. "I came back from that first day of sparring with a bleeding nose and my lips swollen. For two months I got pounded. But then it became a challenge. I'm not a quitter. I figured the other guy learned the moves, so could I." He learned quickly enough, winning military titles and a [[United States Amateur Boxing Federation]] title.<ref name="Berger1991" /> He became the 1985 U.S. Army and inter-service heavyweight champion, along with [[Wesley Watson]], who was the inter-service superheavyweight champion<ref>{{cite journal |last= Garrett|first= George|date= March 1986|title= Army Boxers Win National Title|url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015081927884&view=1up&seq=173|journal= Soldiers|volume= 41|issue= 3|page= 51|issn= 0093-8440|access-date= 2019-06-18}}</ref> (Mercer later beat Watson as a professional). But in 1985, when Army Coach Hank Johnson sought to recruit Mercer for a stateside training camp for the 1988 Olympics, Mercer turned down the offer. "I was in my prime at partying. The training was not a sacrifice I wanted to make. I told Hank, you won't see me until the Olympics", he said.<ref name="Berger1991" /> When he was reassigned to Baumholder, he won three USAREUR crowns while carrying the banner for V Corps<ref name="Rogers" /> (he won the USAREUR Championship less than a year after his first amateur fight.<ref>{{cite journal |last= Garcia|first= Elroy|date= June 1993|title= All-Army Athletes|url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112005545378&view=1up&seq=339|journal= Soldiers|volume= 44|issue= 6|pages= 37–38|issn= 0093-8440|access-date= 2019-07-04}}</ref>) As he served with USAREUR, for that reason in 1986—1987 Mercer had several international bouts in Germany, he also competed internationally at Western Europe [[open tournament]]s.<ref name="Rogers" /> In the summer of 1988, he won the inter-service heavyweight championship again.<ref>{{cite journal |last= Army News Service|date= June 1988|title= Army Takes 10 Titles|url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112042557675&view=1up&seq=357|journal= Soldiers|volume= 43|issue= 6|page= 55|issn= 0093-8440|access-date= 2019-06-18}}</ref> His next step was to apply for the all-Army boxing trial camp and win a spot on the Army team.<ref name="Schad1989" /> "Right now, I want to be the 'woodwork' man. I'm 26 years old and relatively unknown. My plans are to stay healthy, and I need to do well in international competition prior to the Olympics to build confidence."<ref name="Rogers" />
+Mercer began boxing at age 23 while serving in the [[United States Army]]. He later stated that he had never worn gloves prior to his enlistment. "The Army taught me everything I know about boxing," explained Mercer. Mercer was offered the chance to avoid a 30-day field exercise by becoming a sparring partner for the post's [[heavyweight]] [[boxing]] champion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Release |first=Press |date=2020-02-12 |title=1988 Olympic gold medalist "Merciless" Ray Mercer Looks back at his Olympic experience |url=https://www.ringnews24.com/2020/02/12/1988-olympic-gold-medalist-merciless-ray-mercer-looks-back-at-his-olympic-experience/ |access-date=2025-08-10 |website=Ring News 24 {{!}} Boxing News |language=en-GB}}</ref>
+His first organized bout came in 1983 at [[Schweinfurt, Germany|Schweinfurt, West Germany]]. After winning his battalion box-off, he went on to claim the brigade title.  After that, Mercer claimed, "I won the VII Corps novice and open championships and finished second at U.S. Army, [[Europe]]."<ref name="Schad1989">{{cite journal |last= Schad|first= Dave|date= January 1989|title= Three Gold Medals|url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112098031427&view=1up&seq=21|journal= Soldiers|volume= 44|issue= 1|page= 17|issn= 0093-8440|access-date= 2019-06-18}}</ref> Mercer recalled being physically challenged early in his amateur career:
+<blockquote>"I came back from that first day of sparring with a bleeding nose and my lips swollen. For two months, I got pounded. But then it became a challenge. I'm not a quitter. I figured the other guy learned the moves, so could I."</blockquote>
+Mercer became the 1985 U.S. Army and inter-service [[heavyweight champion]], alongside [[Wesley Watson]], who was the inter-service super heavyweight title.<ref>{{cite journal |last= Garrett|first= George|date= March 1986|title= Army Boxers Win National Title|url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015081927884&view=1up&seq=173|journal= Soldiers|volume= 41|issue= 3|page= 51|issn= 0093-8440|access-date= 2019-06-18}}</ref> That same year, Army Coach Hank Johnson sought to recruit Mercer for a stateside training camp for the 1988 Olympics, Mercer turned down the offer.<ref name="Berger1991" />
+Throughout the late 1980s, Mercer continued to compete successfully in military-sponsored competitions. He won three [[United States Army Europe and Africa|USAREUR]] crowns while carrying the banner for V Corps,<ref name="Rogers" /> with his first victory coming less than a year after his first amateur fight.<ref>{{cite journal |last= Garcia|first= Elroy|date= June 1993|title= All-Army Athletes|url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112005545378&view=1up&seq=339|journal= Soldiers|volume= 44|issue= 6|pages= 37–38|issn= 0093-8440|access-date= 2019-07-04}}</ref> While still serving with USAREUR, Mercer had several more amateur bouts in Germany between 1986—1987, and he also competed internationally in Western European [[open tournament]]s.<ref name="Rogers" />
-He won the 1988 [[United States national amateur boxing heavyweight champions|United States amateur heavyweight championship]].<ref name="LATimes">{{cite web
+In the summer of 1988, he won the inter-service heavyweight championship again,<ref>{{cite journal |last= Army News Service|date= June 1988|title= Army Takes 10 Titles|url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112042557675&view=1up&seq=357|journal= Soldiers|volume= 43|issue= 6|page= 55|issn= 0093-8440|access-date= 2019-06-18}}</ref> before applying for the all-Army boxing trial camp to win a spot on the Army team.<ref name="Schad1989" /> Mercer won the 1988 [[United States national amateur boxing heavyweight champions|United States amateur heavyweight championship]].<ref name="LATimes">{{cite web
    | url       = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-09-29-sp-6088-story.html
    | title     = Mercer Just May Be Sowing the Seeds for a High-Paying Career
    | date      = September 29, 1988
    | work=Los Angeles Times
-}}</ref> At the USA vs. Cuba match-up, Mercer twice staggered [[Félix Savón]], but was impeded from doing further damage by questionable intervention by the Cuban referee, Alfredo Toledo.<ref>{{cite news |last= Berger|first= Phil|date= May 1, 1988|title= U.S. Outslugged By Cuban Boxers|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/01/sports/olympics-us-outslugged-by-cuban-boxers.html|work= The New York Times|page= 6|access-date= 2019-06-17}}</ref> At the USA vs. Europe match-up, Mercer with a hard right to the nose turned it into a "''No mas!''" fight for Yugoslavian [[Željko Mavrović]].<ref>{{cite news |last= Berger|first= Phil|date= June 6, 1988|title= Rout For Americans|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/06/sports/boxing-rout-for-americans.html|work= The New York Times|page= 11|access-date= 2019-06-17}}</ref>
+}}</ref> At the USA vs. Cuba match-up, he twice staggered [[Félix Savón]], but was impeded from doing further damage by the Cuban referee, Alfredo Toledo.<ref>{{cite news |last= Berger|first= Phil|date= May 1, 1988|title= U.S. Outslugged By Cuban Boxers|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/01/sports/olympics-us-outslugged-by-cuban-boxers.html|work= The New York Times|page= 6|access-date= 2019-06-17}}</ref> Mercer subsequently defeated Yugoslavian [[Željko Mavrović]] to win the tournament.<ref>{{cite news |last= Berger|first= Phil|date= June 6, 1988|title= Rout For Americans|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/06/sports/boxing-rout-for-americans.html|work= The New York Times|page= 11|access-date= 2019-06-17}}</ref>
 ===1988 Olympics===
-Going to the Olympic Team, he was one of the most highly regarded American Olympic boxers.<ref>{{cite news |last= Anderson|first= Dave|author-link= Dave Anderson (sportswriter)|date= September 17, 1988|title= Coach Calls U.S. a Contender|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1988/09/17/sports/the-seoul-olympics-boxing-coach-calls-us-a-contender.html|work= The New York Times|page= 48|access-date= 2019-06-17}}</ref> Of all the U.S. 1988 Olympians, [[Angelo Dundee]], a legendary trainer, chose Ray Mercer and [[Andrew Maynard (boxer)|Andrew Maynard]], as the most likely to develop into world champions after becoming professionals: "Mercer's 27, but that's not too old. The maturity is there. And the punch. Give him 10 fights as a pro and he'd be ready to start moving up," Dundee said on Mercer's potential as a pro.<ref>{{cite news |last= Anderson|first= Dave|author-link= Dave Anderson (sportswriter)|date= October 2, 1988|title= Green to Gold, Now Green Again|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1988/10/02/sports/sports-of-the-times-green-to-gold-now-green-again.html|work= The New York Times|page= 2|access-date= 2019-06-17}}</ref> According to Kelvin Richardson of the '88 All-Army Team, Mercer was such a hard puncher, that even 16-ounce gloves weren't of much help for his sparring partners from being knocked off the ring, and his super heavyweight Olympic teammate, [[Riddick Bowe]], didn't want to spar with Mercer for that reason.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwXaTIbDRMM RAY MERCER and RIDDICK BOWE HAD VIOLENT SPARRING SESSIONS- KELVIN “BIG DAWG” RICHARDSON]</ref>
+Mercer was the oldest member of the [[Boxing at the 1988 Summer Olympics|US boxing team]] at the [[1988 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news |last= Anderson|first= Dave|author-link= Dave Anderson (sportswriter)|date= October 1, 1988|title= Mercer Stops South Korean|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1988/10/01/sports/the-seoul-olympics-boxing-mercer-stops-south-korean.html|work= The New York Times|page= 47|access-date= 2019-06-17}}</ref> Despite this, many regarded him as one of the team's most talented boxers.<ref>{{cite news |last= Anderson|first= Dave|author-link= Dave Anderson (sportswriter)|date= September 17, 1988|title= Coach Calls U.S. a Contender|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1988/09/17/sports/the-seoul-olympics-boxing-coach-calls-us-a-contender.html|work= The New York Times|page= 48|access-date= 2019-06-17}}</ref> During the games, [[Muhammad Ali|Muhammad Ali's]] former trainer [[Angelo Dundee]] noted that Mercer and teammate [[Andrew Maynard (boxer)|Andrew Maynard]] each had the potential to develop into world champions after becoming professionals. Dundee claimed that "Mercer's 27, but that's not too old. The maturity is there. And the punch. Give him 10 fights as a pro and he'd be ready to start moving up."<ref>{{cite news |last= Anderson|first= Dave|author-link= Dave Anderson (sportswriter)|date= October 2, 1988|title= Green to Gold, Now Green Again|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1988/10/02/sports/sports-of-the-times-green-to-gold-now-green-again.html|work= The New York Times|page= 2|access-date= 2019-06-17}}</ref> According to Kelvin Richardson of the '88 All-Army Team, Mercer was such a hard puncher that he frequently knocked his sparring partners out of the ring, even while wearing 16-ounce gloves. As a result, his super heavyweight Olympic teammate [[Riddick Bowe]] avoided sparring with him.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwXaTIbDRMM RAY MERCER and RIDDICK BOWE HAD VIOLENT SPARRING SESSIONS- KELVIN “BIG DAWG” RICHARDSON]</ref>
-Before one of Maynard's fights, Mercer and [[Anthony Hembrick]] took off with their flags and good-naturedly dodged the people who tried to get in their way. A few tried to trip the pair, another tried to tackle the heavyweight Mercer, and one security guard even stopped him and tried to steer him back to his seat. Mercer would have none of it. "He didn't speak English, and I don't speak Korean, so he talked his stuff and I talked mine. I didn't think we connected, so I just kept on going." said Mercer. Soldiers from his unit back in Germany were rooting for him. Right before the Olympics they made a large banner with everyone's signature on it and shipped it overnight to Seoul. "They've been a big part of my support, and a gold medal would mean almost as much to them as it would to me. That banner really picked me up. I'm fighting for the people of the United States, but especially for the ones back in my unit," he told his audience during one of his post-fight interviews.<ref>{{cite journal |last= Schad|first= Dave|date= January 1989|title= Seoul Olympics: The Army Story|url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112098031427&view=1up&seq=17|journal= Soldiers|volume= 44|issue= 1|pages= 17–19|issn= 0093-8440|access-date= 2019-06-18}}</ref>
-Mercer knocked out all four of his Olympic opponents, winning Gold at the [[1988 Summer Olympics|1988 Olympics]] in [[Seoul]] as a heavyweight. When asked if he thought he needed to stop the South Korean to win the gold medal, he replied: "Definitely. Or I'll make him wish he was knocked out. One of the two."<ref>{{cite news |last= Anderson|first= Dave|author-link= Dave Anderson (sportswriter)|date= September 29, 1988|title= 3 Americans Reach Finals|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1988/09/29/sports/the-seoul-olympics-boxing-3-americans-reach-finals.html|work= The New York Times|page= 18|access-date= 2019-06-17}}</ref> He was the oldest member of the United States Olympic Boxing Team at 27.<ref>{{cite news |last= Anderson|first= Dave|author-link= Dave Anderson (sportswriter)|date= October 1, 1988|title= Mercer Stops South Korean|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1988/10/01/sports/the-seoul-olympics-boxing-mercer-stops-south-korean.html|work= The New York Times|page= 47|access-date= 2019-06-17}}</ref>
+Prior to the start of the [[Olympic Games|Olympics]], Mercer's fellow soldiers in [[Germany]] signed a large banner for him and shipped it to [[Seoul]]. During a post-fight interview, he described the significance of their support to the audience, saying "That banner really picked me up. I'm fighting for the people of the United States, but especially for the ones back in my unit."<ref>{{cite journal |last= Schad|first= Dave|date= January 1989|title= Seoul Olympics: The Army Story|url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112098031427&view=1up&seq=17|journal= Soldiers|volume= 44|issue= 1|pages= 17–19|issn= 0093-8440|access-date= 2019-06-18}}</ref>
-===Highlights===
+Mercer knocked out all four of his Olympic opponents en route to winning gold as a heavyweight.<ref>{{cite news |last= Anderson|first= Dave|author-link= Dave Anderson (sportswriter)|date= September 29, 1988|title= 3 Americans Reach Finals|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1988/09/29/sports/the-seoul-olympics-boxing-3-americans-reach-finals.html|work= The New York Times|page= 18|access-date= 2019-06-17}}</ref>
-{{Col-begin}}
+He was named the [[United States Armed Forces Athlete of the Year]] in November 1988 following his Olympic victory. In January 1989, Mercer was [[honorably discharge]]d from the Army and began his professional boxing career.<ref>{{cite journal |last= Armed Forces Sports Office|date= February 1989|title= Ray Mercer Named Athlete of Year|url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112098031427&view=1up&seq=67|journal= Soldiers|volume= 44|issue= 2|page= 3|issn= 0093-8440|access-date= 2019-06-18}}</ref>
-{{Col-2}}
-USAREUR Boxing Championships (heavyweight), [[Darmstadt|Darmstadt, West Germany]], May 1985:
-*Finals: Defeated Gregory Ellerbee
-USA–USSR Duals (heavyweight), [[Troy, New York]], October 1985:
-* Defeated Renat Trishev (Soviet Union) by split decision, 2–1
-{{gold1}} United States Armed Forces Championships (heavyweight), [[Camp Lejeune, North Carolina]], November 1985:
-* (no data available)
-{{silver2}} Stockholm Box Open (heavyweight), [[Stockholm, Sweden]], January 1986:
-*Finals: Lost to [[Magne Havnå]] (Norway) by split decision, 2–3
-USA–FRG Duals (heavyweight), [[West Berlin, West Germany]], July 1987:
-* Defeated Andre Hoth (West Germany) RSC 2
-USA–FRG Duals (heavyweight), [[Peissenberg]], [[West Germany]], July 1987:
-* Defeated Andre Hoth (West Germany) by unanimous decision, 3–0
-USA–FRG & Austria Duals (heavyweight), [[Neuhausen (Enz)|Neuhausen, West Germany]], July 1987:
-* Defeated Peter Neyer (Austria) by decision {{small|(Neyer was given a standing eight count twice in the 2nd rd)}}
-{{silver2}} Copenhagen Cup (heavyweight), [[Copenhagen, Denmark]], December 1987:
-*Finals: Lost to [[Maik Heydeck]] (East Germany) by unanimous decision, 0–5
-{{gold1}} United States Armed Forces Championships (heavyweight), [[Naval Air Station San Diego]], [[San Diego, California]], March 1988:
-* Defeated Leonard Conway RSCH 1 {{small|(1:57)}}
-{{gold1}} [[United States National Boxing Championships|United States National Championships]] (heavyweight), [[Colorado Springs, Colorado]], March–April 1988:
-*1/16: Defeated Mike Sharp KO
-*1/8: Defeated Lyle McDowell RSC 2 {{small|(2:51)}}
-*1/4: Defeated Ike Padilla RSC 2 {{small|(2:19)}}
-*1/2: Defeated Carlton Hollis RSCH 1 {{small|(2:52)}}
-*Finals: Defeated Jerry Goff by unanimous decision, 5–0
-{{Col-2}}
-USA–Cuba Duals (heavyweight), [[Caesars Atlantic City]], [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], April 1988:
-* Lost to [[Félix Savón]] (Cuba) by split decision, 1–2
-USA–Europe Duals (heavyweight), [[Las Vegas Convention Center]], [[Las Vegas, Nevada]], June 1988:
-* Defeated [[Željko Mavrović]] (Yugoslavia) RSC 1 {{small|(2:00)}}
-Olympic Trials (heavyweight), [[Concord Pavilion]], [[Concord, California]], July 1988:
-*1/4: Defeated [[Tommy Morrison]] by unanimous decision, 5–0 {{small|(one point deducted from Morrison twice in the 2nd rd for holding)}}
-*1/2: Defeated Carlton Hollis by unanimous decision, 5–0
-*Finals: Defeated [[Michael Bentt]] by unanimous decision, 5–0 {{small|(Bentt was given a standing eight count at 2:39 of the 2nd rd; one point deducted from Bentt in the 2nd rd for low blows, and in the 3rd rd for hitting after the break)}}
-Olympic Box-offs (heavyweight), [[Caesars Palace]], [[Las Vegas, Nevada]], July 1988:
-*Day 1: Defeated [[Michael Bentt]] by split decision, 3–2 {{small|(Bentt had his mouthpiece knocked off at 1:54 of the 1st rd; took 0:15 to replace)}}
-USA–Canada Duals (heavyweight), [[Charlotte Coliseum]], [[Charlotte, North Carolina]], August 1988:
-* Defeated Wayne Bernard (Canada) RET 2 {{small|(Bernard was given a standing eight count at 1:07 of the 1st rd; the bout was halted by referee at 2:46 of the 1st rd due to Bernard's allegedly damaged headgear, which took 1:16 to replace; Bernard was given a standing eight count at 0:22 of the 2nd rd; Bernard's corner threw the towel at 0:36 of the 2nd rd)}}
-{{gold1}} Summer Olympics (heavyweight), [[Seoul, South Korea]], September–October 1988:
-*1/8: Defeated [[Rudolf Gavenčiak]] (Czechoslovakia) RSCH 3 {{small|(0:35)}}
-*1/4: Defeated [[Luigi Gaudiano]] (Italy) KO 1 {{small|(2:55)}}
-*1/2: Defeated [[Arnold Vanderlyde]] (Netherlands) RSCH 2 {{small|(2:15)}}
-*Finals: Defeated [[Baik Hyun-Man]] (South Korea) KO 1 {{small|(2:16)}}
-{{Col-end}}
-Mercer had a total of 70 fights as an amateur, competing all his amateur career in the 201-pound class, and compiling an amateur record of 64 wins, and 6 losses (no stoppages.) Upon winning the Olympic Gold Medal, Mercer was approached by boxing promoter [[Bob Arum]], with whom he signed a contract to turn professional. Under the deal, he was to be trained in Las Vegas, Nevada, under Hank Johnson of Fort Bragg, who was the All-Army Coach, and the assistant Olympic coach. Also under the deal, Arum got the rights to promote a certain number of televised bouts, leaving the boxer free to fight for others.<ref>{{cite news |last= AP|date= October 16, 1988|title= Theories on Boxing|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1988/10/16/sports/sports-people-theories-on-boxing.html|work= The New York Times|page= 10|access-date= 2019-06-17}}</ref>
-Upon winning the 1988 Olympics, he was named the [[United States Armed Forces Athlete of the Year]] in November 1988. In January 1989, being [[honorably discharge]]d, Mercer left the Army to pursue a professional boxing career.<ref>{{cite journal |last= Armed Forces Sports Office|date= February 1989|title= Ray Mercer Named Athlete of Year|url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112098031427&view=1up&seq=67|journal= Soldiers|volume= 44|issue= 2|page= 3|issn= 0093-8440|access-date= 2019-06-18}}</ref>
 ==Professional boxing career==
-{{Further|Ray Mercer vs. Tommy Morrison|Ray Mercer vs. Larry Holmes|Evander Holyfield vs. Ray Mercer|Lennox Lewis vs. Ray Mercer}}
+{{Further|Ray Mercer vs. Tommy Morrison|Ray Mercer vs. Larry Holmes|Evander Holyfield vs. Ray Mercer|Lennox Lewis vs. Ray Mercer|Wladimir Klitschko vs. Ray Mercer}}
-Mercer turned pro in January 1989 and debuted with a 3rd TKO of Jesse McGhee. He scored a series of knockouts, scoring his first notable in a split decision of [[Ossie Ocasio]], former cruiserweight champion and heavyweight title challenger. In August 1990 he knocked down and outpointed big punching Smokin' [[Bert Cooper]] in a spectacular 12-round brawl that earned him Cooper's [[North American Boxing Federation|NABF]] title. In January 1991 he challenged undefeated [[Francesco Damiani]] for the [[WBO]] heavyweight title, scoring a one-punch knockout victory in the 9th when behind on points. At that time, the WBO championship wasn't considered a major championship; it didn't become a major belt equal to the WBA, WBC, and IBF belts until 2004. Later that year, he beat undefeated puncher [[Tommy Morrison]] in five rounds, and with a major world title fight on the horizon vacated his WBO belt and fought 42-year-old legend [[Larry Holmes]] rather than mandatory challenger [[Michael Moorer]]. It proved an unwise decision, as the crafty Holmes conned Mercer out of the fight, outjabbing the puzzled Mercer, and gaining both the points decision and Mercer's world title fight with heavyweight king [[Evander Holyfield]].
+Mercer began his professional boxing career in January 1989, winning his debut bout via a third-round TKO against Jesse McGhee.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ray Mercer knocked out Jesse McGhee 30 seconds into... - UPI Archives |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/02/24/Ray-Mercer-knocked-out-Jesse-McGhee-30-seconds-into/2574604299600/ |access-date=2025-07-14 |website=UPI |language=en}}</ref> In August 1990, he knocked down and outpointed [[Bert Cooper]] in a 12-round brawl that earned him Cooper's [[North American Boxing Federation|NABF]] title.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mercer beats Cooper, remains undefeated - UPI Archives |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1990/08/05/Mercer-beats-Cooper-remains-undefeated/2802649828800/ |access-date=2025-07-14 |website=UPI |language=en}}</ref>
-Having split fights with dangerous veteran [[Jesse Ferguson]] (Mercer was investigated for allegedly asking Ferguson to "throw the fight" during their first encounter), an overweight Mercer labored to a draw with trialhorse [[Marion Wilson (boxer)|Marion Wilson]], and saw a proposed 1994 bout in Hong Kong with [[Frank Bruno]] fall through. Mercer enjoyed an unexpected run of form in major fights, losing on points in a thrilling brawl with Holyfield in May 1995, losing a controversial decision in a wild punch up with [[Lennox Lewis]] in June 1996, and scoring a controversial points win over double ex-champ [[Tim Witherspoon]] in yet another high action bout in December 1996. In the frame for a bout with [[Andrew Golota]] in 1997, Mercer suffered a neck injury and was out of action for 14 months. He returned in February 1998 with a 2-round KO of Leo Loiacono, but contracted [[Hepatitis B]] and was again inactive, this time for 20 months.
-===Comeback===
-In February 2001 a 39-year-old Mercer launched a final comeback, knocking out four journeymen before being matched with WBO title holder [[Wladimir Klitschko]] in a high-profile bout on HBO. Once famed for his incredible [[Chin (combat sports)|iron chin]], Mercer looked his age and was knocked down in the first and stopped in the sixth round for the first time in his career. A brief dalliance in mixed martial arts nixed a 2004 bout with [[DaVarryl Williamson]].
-However, Mercer did return to boxing in 2005, now aged 44, but he was stopped in seven rounds by former [[Lineal championship|Lineal champion]] [[Shannon Briggs]]. The bout was a back-and-forth slugfest, with both men throwing various and plentiful power shots.
 === Final fights ===
-After his loss to Briggs, the now-aged Mercer did not compete in a boxing match until two years later in 2007, having taken time off to attempt kickboxing and MMA as side careers.
+Mercer retired in 2008 as a one-time major title holder with a record of 36–7–1 (26 KOs).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-12 |title=Ray Mercer: Record & Stats |url=https://www.martialbot.com/boxing/r/ray-mercer.html |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=www.martialbot.com |language=en}}</ref>
-He returned, scoring a first-round KO over the Journeyman Mikael Lindblad. After a unanimous decision loss to a journeyman [[Derric Rossy]], 19 years Mercer's junior, in 2008 he boxed for the final time at the age of 47, against one-time fringe WBF title holder, Dutch boxer [[Richel Hersisia]] in Sweden, winning a six-round majority decision.
-He retired in 2008 as a one-time major title holder with a record of 36-7-1 (26 KOs).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-12 |title=Ray Mercer: Record & Stats |url=https://www.martialbot.com/boxing/r/ray-mercer.html |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=www.martialbot.com |language=en}}</ref>
-==Kickboxing career==
-Continuing to seek a fighting career, Mercer opted to travel to Japan. Taking a brief year of hiatus from boxing, he challenged [[Musashi (kickboxer)|Musashi]] in the kickboxing combat sport [[K-1]] on June 6, 2004. Mercer held a reasonable account of himself, but his age and inability to successfully defend kicks were evident. He threw powerful punches and trapped his opponent in the corner more than once, and managed to adapt as more kicks were thrown, even knocking Musashi down in round two, but he was taking on more accumulated damage that slowed him down, as he went on to lose the bout via unanimous decision. By round three, he was being ripped into by his opponent and was hardly keeping up.
-On March 19, 2005, he had one more [[K-1]] bout against [[Remy Bonjasky]], to whom he lost via verbal submission. Mercer came out with a failed double jab towards Bonjasky's shoulder and head but missed, and attempted to throw a right. The first and only strike of the night, a head kick, that connected from them landed square on the head of Mercer, though he attempted to block, and he was shaken by the powerful blow. He voiced his surrender and the bout was stopped at twenty-two seconds and Bonjasky was awarded the TKO victory.
-Though he was offered additional opportunities to have a further K-1 career, after the Bonjasky bout in 2005, Mercer, aged but undeterred, returned to boxing and refused another kickboxing fight.
 ==Mixed martial arts career==
-Mercer had planned to attempt a dabble in mixed martial arts as early as 2003; he was scheduled to [[Kazuyuki Fujita]], who was 9-4 in the sport, in Kobe, Japan as the main event of the [[:ja:INOKI_BOM-BA-YE_2003|Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye]]. The fight was to be in a MMA ring. However, the bout was cancelled after Mercer missed his flight to the country.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ray Mercer vs. Kazuyuki Fujita, Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2003 {{!}} MMA Bout |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/686581-inoki-bom-ba-ye-2003-ray-merciless-mercer-vs-kazuyuki-ol-ironhead-fujita |access-date=2023-07-09 |website=Tapology |language=en}}</ref>
+Mercer explored [[mixed martial arts]] as early as 2003 when he was scheduled to face [[Kazuyuki Fujita]], who was 9–4 across his MMA career. The fight was to be held in Kobe, Japan as the main event of the [[:ja:INOKI BOM-BA-YE 2003|Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye]] in an MMA ring. However, the bout was cancelled after Mercer missed his flight to the country.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ray Mercer vs. Kazuyuki Fujita, Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2003 {{!}} MMA Bout |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/686581-inoki-bom-ba-ye-2003-ray-merciless-mercer-vs-kazuyuki-ol-ironhead-fujita |access-date=2023-07-09 |website=Tapology |language=en}}</ref>
-After a series of scheduled boxing matchups fell through (including a proposed bout against former champion [[Hasim Rahman]]), Mercer decided to try [[Mixed Martial Arts|mixed martial arts (MMA)]] and approached Felix Martinez, co-founder of [[Cage Fury Fighting Championships]], about working with the promotion. On March 21, 2007, Cage Fury announced that Mercer had signed to face underground street fighter and Internet legend [[Kimbo Slice]] at Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall on June 23, 2007, as part of ''[[Cage Fury Fighting Championship 5]]''. The bout was a non-sanctioned exhibition under the New Jersey Unified MMA rules,<ref name="mmaw">{{cite web
+On March 21, 2007, [[Cage Fury Fighting Championships]] announced that Mercer had signed to face underground street fighter [[Kimbo Slice]] at Atlantic City's [[Boardwalk Hall]] as part of ''[[Cage Fury Fighting Championship 5]]''. The bout was a non-sanctioned exhibition under the New Jersey Unified MMA rules,<ref name="mmaw">{{cite web
   |url         = http://mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=4196&zoneid=1
   |title       = Freak Show or Convert? Kimbo Slice Interview
@@ Line 169: / Line 105: @@
   |archive-date = September 29, 2007
   |df          = mdy-all
-}}</ref> with both men making their professional MMA debut respectively.
+}}</ref> with both men making their professional MMA debuts. Slice won the fight in the first round with a [[guillotine choke]] submission. Afterwards, Mercer said he would be sticking with boxing since he "can't get choked out in boxing."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-06-25 |title=Ray Mercer sticking to boxing after MMA defeat |url=https://www.espn.com/extra/mma/news/story?id=2915599 |access-date=2025-07-07 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>
-Slice won the fight in the first round with a [[guillotine choke]] submission. Mercer later stated in the press conference at Adrenaline III: Bragging Rights, that he had expected Kimbo Slice to box with him, and said that he did not train in any other aspect of [[Mixed martial arts|MMA]] and was unprepared for the [[guillotine choke]].
-Though he originally planned to give up on MMA, circumstances pushed Mercer into a comeback; On June 13, 2009, he made a big splash when he defeated former UFC Heavyweight Champion Tim Sylvia at Adrenaline III: Bragging Rights. He won the fight via knockout in 9 seconds with a huge right hand to the chin, becoming the first man to ever defeat Sylvia by knockout. Sylvia threw a kick, for the opponents agreed to keep the fight standing, but Mercer was visibly agitated as he threw a light jab. He delivered his overhand right to Sylvia, stunning him, and threw a second right hand on the ground.
-In March 2010, it was announced that Mercer had signed with the [[King of the Cage]] organization, although no bouts would materialize.<ref name="kotc">{{cite web
+In March 2010, it was announced that Mercer had signed with the [[King of the Cage]] organization, but no bouts materialized.<ref name="kotc">{{cite web
    | url       = http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/03/12/ray-mercer-returns-to-fight-undefeated-ron-sparks/
    | title     = Ray Mercer Returns to Fight Undefeated Ron Sparks
    | date      = March 12, 2010
    | publisher = MMAFighting.com
-}}</ref> At 1-0, he was scheduled to face at the time undefeated MMA fighter and Kickboxer [[Ron Sparks (fighter)|Ron Sparks]], but the bout was cancelled because of a longtime injury Mercer sustained 13 years earlier.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ron Sparks vs. Ray Mercer, KOTC {{!}} MMA Bout |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/440057-kotc-ron-the-monster-sparks-vs-ray-merciless-mercer |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=Tapology |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-09-17 |title=Ray Mercer is out of his King of the Cage bout against Ron Sparks |url=https://middleeasy.com/mma-news/ray-mercer-is-out-of-his-king-of-the-cage-bout-against-ron-sparks-2/ |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=MiddleEasy |language=en-US}}</ref>
+}}</ref> At 1–0, he was scheduled to face at the time undefeated MMA fighter and Kickboxer [[Ron Sparks (fighter)|Ron Sparks]], but the bout was cancelled due to a lingering injury Mercer had sustained 13 years earlier.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ron Sparks vs. Ray Mercer, KOTC {{!}} MMA Bout |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/440057-kotc-ron-the-monster-sparks-vs-ray-merciless-mercer |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=Tapology |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-09-17 |title=Ray Mercer is out of his King of the Cage bout against Ron Sparks |url=https://middleeasy.com/mma-news/ray-mercer-is-out-of-his-king-of-the-cage-bout-against-ron-sparks-2/ |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=MiddleEasy |language=en-US}}</ref>
 ==Professional boxing record==
@@ Line 288: / Line 220: @@
 |TKO
 |6 (12), {{small|1:08}}
-|Jun 29, 2002
+|[[Wladimir Klitschko vs. Ray Mercer|Jun 29, 2002]]
 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.}}
 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For WBO heavyweight title}}
@@ Line 509: / Line 441: @@
 |12
 |Mar 2, 1990
-|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Hacienda (resort)|Hacienda]], Paradise, Nevada, U.S.}}
+|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Hacienda (Las Vegas)|Hacienda]], Paradise, Nevada, U.S.}}
 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant [[International Boxing Federation|IBF]] Inter-Continental [[heavyweight]] title}}
 |-
@@ Line 778: / Line 710: @@
 [[Category:Heavyweight mixed martial artists]]
 [[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing boxing]]
+[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing kickboxing]]
 [[Category:Kickboxers from Florida]]
 [[Category:Living people]]
@@ Line 794: / Line 727: @@
 [[Category:20th-century African-American sportsmen]]
 [[Category:United States Armed Forces Athlete of the Year]]
+[[Category:21st-century American sportsmen]]
+[[Category:20th-century American sportsmen]]

Ray Mercer: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 13:04, 14 November 2025

Early life

Military service

Amateur boxing career

1988 Olympics

Professional boxing career

Final fights

Mixed martial arts career

Professional boxing record

Kickboxing record

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record

Exhibition record

References

External links

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