Ray Mercer

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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

Template:MMA record start |- | style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win | align=center | 1–0 | Tim Sylvia | KO (punch) | Adrenaline MMA 3: Bragging Rights | Template:Dts | align=center | 1 | align=center | 0:09 | Birmingham, Alabama, United States |Super Heavyweight debut.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

|}Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Exhibition record

Template:MMArecordbox Template:MMA record start |- | style="background: #FFE3E3; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-no2" |Loss | align=center | 0–1 | Kimbo Slice | Submission (guillotine choke) | Cage Fury Fighting Championship 5 | Template:Dts | align=center | 1 | align=center | 1:12 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States |

|}Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

References

Template:Reflist

External links

Template:S-sportsTemplate:S-textTemplate:S-before
U.S. heavyweight champion
1988 Template:S-ttl/check

Template:S-after Template:S-text

Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check NABF heavyweight champion
August 5, 1990 – January 1991
Vacated Template:S-ttl/check

Template:S-vac Template:S-text

Preceded byTemplate: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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  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  17. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  19. ↑ RAY MERCER and RIDDICK BOWE HAD VIOLENT SPARRING SESSIONS- KELVIN “BIG DAWG” RICHARDSON
  20. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  21. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  22. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  23. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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  25. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  26. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  27. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  28. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  29. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  30. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  31. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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