View source for Ray Mercer

{{short description|American boxer, kickboxer and mixed martial artist}}
{{BLP sources|date=September 2017}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2016}}
{{Infobox martial artist
| name           = Ray Mercer
| image          = Ray Mercer, 1988.JPEG
| caption        = Mercer in 1988
| birth_name     = Raymond Anthony Mercer
| other_names    = Merciless
| nationality    = American
| birth_date     = {{birth date and age|1961|4|4}}
| birth_place    = [[Jacksonville, Florida]], U.S.
| height         = 6 ft 1 in
| weight_class   = {{plainlist|
*[[Heavyweight]]  
}}
| reach          = 77 in
| stance         = Orthodox
| years_active   = {{plainlist|
*1989–2008 (boxing)
*2004–2005 (kickboxing)
*2007, 2009 (MMA)
}}
| box_win        = 36
| box_kowin      = 26
| box_loss       = 7
| box_koloss     = 2
| box_draw       = 1
| kickbox_loss   = 2
| kickbox_koloss = 1
| mma_win        = 1
| mma_kowin      = 1
| mma_subloss    = 
| children       = 
| updated        = April 5, 2023
| boxrec         = 1620
| sherdog        = 22389
| medaltemplates = 
{{MedalSport | Men's [[amateur boxing]] }}
{{MedalCountry | {{USA}} }}
{{MedalOlympics}}
{{MedalGold | [[1988 Summer Olympics|1988 Seoul]] | [[Boxing at the 1988 Summer Olympics – Heavyweight|Heavyweight]]}}
}}

'''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>

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>

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>

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.

==Early life==
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" />}}

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 [[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 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" />

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, 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===
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>

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>

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>
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>

==Professional boxing career==
{{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 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>

=== Final fights ===
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>

==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 [[: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>

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
 |date        = June 22, 2007
 |publisher   = MMAWeekly
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20070929111320/http://mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=4196&zoneid=1
 |archive-date = September 29, 2007
 |df          = mdy-all
}}</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>

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 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==
{{BoxingRecordSummary
|draws=1
|ko-wins=26
|ko-losses=2
|dec-wins=10
|dec-losses=5
}}
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
!{{abbr|No.|Number}}
!Result
!Record
!Opponent
!Type
!Round, time
!Date
!Location
!Notes
|-
|44
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{nowrap|36–7–1}}
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Richel Hersisia]]
|MD
|6
|Sep 5, 2008
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Nöjesfabriken, Karlstad, Sweden}}
|
|-
|43
|{{no2}}Loss
|35–7–1
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Derric Rossy]]
|UD
|12
|Jan 26, 2008
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Venetian Arena]], [[Macau]], SAR}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For vacant [[World Boxing Council|WBC]]–[[Asian Boxing Council|ABCO]], [[World Boxing Foundation|WBF]] International, and WBO–[[North American Boxing Organization|NABO]] [[interim championship|interim]] heavyweight titles}}
|-
|42
|{{yes2}}Win
|35–6–1
|style="text-align:left;"|Mikael Lindblad
|KO
|1, {{small|1:50}}
|Sep 15, 2007
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Löfbergs Arena]], [[Karlstad]], Sweden}}
|
|-
|41
|{{no2}}Loss
|34–6–1
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Shannon Briggs]]
|KO
|7 (10), {{small|0:41}}
|Aug 26, 2005
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Hard Rock Live]], [[Hollywood, Florida]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|40
|{{yes2}}Win
|34–5–1
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Darroll Wilson]]
|UD
|10
|Jun 24, 2005
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Nikki Beach Concert Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|
|-
|39
|{{yes2}}Win
|33–5–1
|style="text-align:left;"|Steve Pannell
|TKO
|3 (10), {{small|0:50}}
|Feb 28, 2004
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Seminole Casino, Coconut Creek, Florida, U.S.}}
|
|-
|38
|{{yes2}}Win
|32–5–1
|style="text-align:left;"|Shawn Robinson
|TKO
|3 (10), {{small|1:49}}
|Nov 11, 2003
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Caesars Indiana|Caesars]], [[Elizabeth, Indiana]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|37
|{{yes2}}Win
|31–5–1
|style="text-align:left;"|Mario Cawley
|KO
|3 (10), {{small|1:08}}
|Aug 23, 2003
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Seminole Casino, [[Coconut Creek, Florida]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|36
|{{no2}}Loss
|30–5–1
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Wladimir Klitschko]]
|TKO
|6 (12), {{small|1:08}}
|[[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}}
|-
|35
|{{yes2}}Win
|30–4–1
|style="text-align:left;"|Troy Weida
|TKO
|1 (10), {{small|0:28}}
|Feb 23, 2002
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Bally's Park Place]], Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|
|-
|34
|{{yes2}}Win
|29–4–1
|style="text-align:left;"|Brian Scott
|KO
|2 (10), {{small|0:57}}
|Oct 13, 2001
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Parken Stadium]], [[Copenhagen]], Denmark}}
|
|-
|33
|{{yes2}}Win
|28–4–1
|style="text-align:left;"|Don Steele
|KO
|5 (10), {{small|3:00}}
|Mar 17, 2001
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Silver Star Hotel & Casino]], [[Choctaw, Neshoba County, Mississippi|Choctaw, Mississippi]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|32
|{{yes2}}Win
|27–4–1
|style="text-align:left;"|Jeff Pegues
|TKO
|2 (10), {{small|2:59}}
|Feb 11, 2001
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Grand Victoria Casino Elgin|Grand Victoria Casino]], [[Elgin, Illinois]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|31
|{{yes2}}Win
|26–4–1
|style="text-align:left;"|Jimmy Haynes
|KO
|1 (10), {{small|0:43}}
|Dec 18, 1999
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Grand Casino Tunica|Grand Casino]], [[Tunica, Mississippi]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|30
|{{yes2}}Win
|25–4–1
|style="text-align:left;"|Leo Loiacono
|KO
|2 (10), {{small|0:46}}
|Feb 21, 1998
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Miccosukee Resort & Gaming]], [[Miami, Florida]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|29
|{{yes2}}Win
|24–4–1
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Tim Witherspoon]]
|UD
|10
|[[Riddick Bowe vs. Andrew Golota II|Dec 14, 1996]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|
|-
|28
|{{no2}}Loss
|23–4–1
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Lennox Lewis]]
|{{abbr|MD|Majority decision}}
|10
|[[Lennox Lewis vs. Ray Mercer|May 10, 1996]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.}}
|
|-
|27
|{{no2}}Loss
|23–3–1
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Evander Holyfield]]
|UD
|10
|[[Evander Holyfield vs. Ray Mercer|May 20, 1995]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|
|-
|26
|{{draw}}Draw
|23–2–1
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Marion Wilson (boxer)|Marion Wilson]]
|{{abbr|SD|Split draw}}
|10
|Jul 28, 1994
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|
|-
|25
|{{yes2}}Win
|23–2
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Jesse Ferguson]]
|SD
|10
|Nov 19, 1993
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|
|-
|24
|{{yes2}}Win
|22–2
|style="text-align:left;"|Mark Wills
|UD
|10
|Oct 6, 1993
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|
|-
|23
|{{yes2}}Win
|21–2
|style="text-align:left;"|Tony Willis
|TKO
|1 (10), {{small|2:11}}
|Aug 12, 1993
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Casino Magic Bay St. Louis|Casino Magic]], [[Bay St. Louis, Mississippi]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|22
|{{no2}}Loss
|20–2
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Jesse Ferguson]]
|UD
|10
|[[Riddick Bowe vs. Michael Dokes|Feb 6, 1993]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Madison Square Garden]], [[New York City, New York]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|21
|{{yes2}}Win
|20–1
|style="text-align:left;"|Jerry Halstead
|RTD
|2 (12), {{small|3:00}}
|Dec 10, 1992
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|
|-
|20
|{{yes2}}Win
|19–1
|style="text-align:left;"|Mike Dixon
|{{abbr|RTD|Corner retirement}}
|7 (10), {{small|3:00}}
|Oct 7, 1992
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|County Center, [[Augusta, Georgia]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|19
|{{no2}}Loss
|18–1
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Larry Holmes]]
|UD
|12
|[[Ray Mercer vs. Larry Holmes|Feb 7, 1992]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|
|-
|18
|{{yes2}}Win
|18–0
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Tommy Morrison]]
|TKO
|5 (12), {{small|0:28}}
|[[Ray Mercer vs. Tommy Morrison|Oct 18, 1991]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBO heavyweight title}}
|-
|17
|{{yes2}}Win
|17–0
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Francesco Damiani]]
|KO
|9 (12), {{small|2:47}}
|Jan 11, 1991
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Etess Arena]], Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won [[list of WBO world champions#Heavyweight|WBO heavyweight title]]}}
|-
|16
|{{yes2}}Win
|16–0
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Bert Cooper]]
|UD
|12
|Aug 5, 1990
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won [[list of NABF champions#Heavyweight|NABF heavyweight title]]}}
|-
|15
|{{yes2}}Win
|15–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Lionel Washington
|TKO
|4 (10), {{small|1:59}}
|May 31, 1990
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Rochester Community War Memorial|Community War Memorial]], [[Rochester, New York]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|14
|{{yes2}}Win
|14–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Kimmuel Odum
|UD
|12
|Mar 2, 1990
|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}}
|-
|13
|{{yes2}}Win
|13–0
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Wesley Watson]]
|TKO
|5 (10), {{small|0:44}}
|[[George Foreman vs. Gerry Cooney|Jan 15, 1990]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|
|-
|12
|{{yes2}}Win
|12–0
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Ossie Ocasio]]
|{{abbr|SD|Split decision}}
|8
|Dec 7, 1989
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[The Mirage]], Paradise, Nevada, U.S.}}
|
|-
|11
|{{yes2}}Win
|11–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Jerry Jones
|UD
|8
|Nov 14, 1989
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|South Mountain Arena, West Orange, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|
|-
|10
|{{yes2}}Win
|10–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Eddie Richardson
|TKO
|1 (8), {{small|2:16}}
|Oct 17, 1989
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Arizona State Fairgrounds|State Fairgrounds]], [[Phoenix, Arizona]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|9
|{{yes2}}Win
|9–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Arthel Lawhorne
|TKO
|2 (10), {{small|1:05}}
|Sep 19, 1989
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena|Veterans Memorial Arena]], [[Jacksonville, Florida]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|8
|{{yes2}}Win
|8–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Dino Homsey
|TKO
|1 (8), {{small|1:58}}
|Sep 5, 1989
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Harrah's Lake Tahoe]], [[Stateline, Nevada]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|7
|{{yes2}}Win
|7–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Tracy Thomas
|KO
|1 (6), {{small|2:09}}
|Aug 15, 1989
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[South Mountain Arena]], [[West Orange, New Jersey]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|6
|{{yes2}}Win
|6–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Al Evans
|TKO
|1 (6), {{small|2:55}}
|Jul 15, 1989
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Broadway by the Bay Theater]], Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|
|-
|5
|{{yes2}}Win
|5–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Ken Crosby
|KO
|1 (6), {{small|2:45}}
|Jun 12, 1989
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Caesars Palace]], [[Paradise, Nevada]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|4
|{{yes2}}Win
|4–0
|style="text-align:left;"|David Hopkins
|KO
|1 (4), {{small|1:07}}
|May 16, 1989
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Tyndall Armory, [[Indianapolis, Indiana]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|3
|{{yes2}}Win
|3–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Garing Lane
|{{abbr|UD|Unanimous decision}}
|4
|Mar 28, 1989
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Showboat Hotel and Casino]], [[Las Vegas, Nevada]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|2
|{{yes2}}Win
|2–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Luis Walford
|{{abbr|KO|Knockout}}
|1 (4)
|Mar 4, 1989
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Bismarck Civic Center|Civic Center]], [[Bismarck, North Dakota]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|1
|{{yes2}}Win
|1–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Jesse McGhee
|{{abbr|TKO|Technical knockout}}
|3 (4), {{small|0:30}}
|[[Iran Barkley vs. Roberto Durán|Feb 24, 1989]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Boardwalk Hall|Convention Hall]], [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], U.S.}}
|
|}

==Kickboxing record==
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:95%"
|+ 0 Wins (0 (T) KO's, 0 decision), 2 Losses
|-
! Date
! Result
! Record
! Opponent
! Event
! Method
! Round
! Time
! Location
|-
| March 15, 2005
| {{no2}}Loss
| 0–2
| {{flagicon|Netherlands}} [[Remy Bonjasky]]
|style="text-align:left;"| [[K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in Seoul]]
| TKO (Right High Kick)
| 1
| 0:22
|style="text-align:left;"| {{flagicon|South Korea}} [[Seoul]], South Korea
|-
| June 6, 2004
| {{no2}}Loss
| 0–1
| style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Japan}} [[Musashi (kickboxer)|Musashi]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 in Nagoya]]
| Decision (Unanimous)
| 3
| 3:00
|style="text-align:left;"| {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Nagoya]], Japan
|}

==Mixed martial arts record==
{{MMArecordbox
| draws=
| nc=
| ko-wins=1
| ko-losses=
| sub-wins=
| sub-losses=
| dec-wins=
| dec-losses=
| dq-wins=
| dq-losses=
| other-wins=
| other-losses=
}}

===Professional record===
{{MMA record start}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center | 1–0
| [[Tim Sylvia]]
| KO (punch)
| Adrenaline MMA 3: Bragging Rights
| {{dts|2009|June|13|format=mdy}}
| align=center | 1
| align=center | 0:09
| [[Birmingham, Alabama]], United States
|{{small|Super Heavyweight debut.}}
{{end}}

===Exhibition record===
{{MMArecordbox
| draws=
| nc=
| ko-wins=
| ko-losses=
| sub-wins=
| sub-losses=1
| dec-wins=
| dec-losses=
| dq-wins=
| dq-losses=
| other-wins=
| other-losses=
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center | 0–1
| [[Kimbo Slice]]
| Submission (guillotine choke)
| [[Cage Fury Fighting Championship 5]]
| {{dts|2007|June|23|format=mdy}}
| align=center | 1
| align=center | 1:12
| [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], United States
|
{{end}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{BoxRec|id=1620}}
*{{Sherdog}}

{{s-start}}
{{s-sports}}
{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=Amateur boxing titles}}
{{s-before|before=[[Michael Bentt]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[United States national amateur boxing heavyweight champions|U.S. heavyweight champion]]
|years=1988}}
{{s-after|after=Javier Alvarez}}
{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=Regional boxing titles}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Bert Cooper]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of NABF champions#Heavyweight|NABF heavyweight champion]]
|years=August 5, 1990 – January 1991<br>Vacated}}
{{s-vac|next=[[Orlin Norris]]}}
{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=World boxing titles}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Francesco Damiani]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of WBO world champions#Heavyweight|WBO heavyweight champion]]
|years=January 11, 1991 – December 28, 1991<br>Vacated}}
{{s-vac|next=[[Michael Moorer]]}}
{{s-end}}

{{Footer Olympic Champions Boxing Heavyweight}}
{{Footer USA Boxing 1988 Summer Olympics}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mercer, Ray}}
[[Category:1961 births]]
[[Category:African-American boxers]]
[[Category:African-American mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:American male kickboxers]]
[[Category:American male mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:Boxers at the 1988 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Boxers from Florida]]
[[Category:Heavyweight boxers]]
[[Category:Heavyweight mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing boxing]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing kickboxing]]
[[Category:Kickboxers from Florida]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists from Florida]]
[[Category:Olympic boxers for the United States]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Jacksonville, Florida]]
[[Category:Heavyweight kickboxers]]
[[Category:United States Army soldiers]]
[[Category:Winners of the United States Championship for amateur boxers]]
[[Category:World Boxing Organization champions]]
[[Category:World heavyweight boxing champions]]
[[Category:American male boxers]]
[[Category:Olympic gold medalists for the United States in boxing]]
[[Category:Medalists at the 1988 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen]]
[[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]]