By: Lou McLaughlin
Ray Mercer
Former Heavyweight champ Ray “Merciless” Mercer is among the inductees into the 2018 Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame of next weekend June 1-3. As an amateur he won a gold medal in the heavyweight division at the 1988 Summer Olympics. Ray had an illustrious boxing career of 44 pro bouts. Of which he fought 14 during the heyday of Atlantic City casinos. Included in his Atlantic City bouts was his win of the WBO Heavyweight title against Francesco Damiani by a one punch knockout victory in the 9th. Mercer a skilled all around fighter possessed dynamite one punch KO power. Among his most exciting bouts was a thrilling 5th round TKO of undefeated Tommy Morrison in A.C. He began his career in 1989 with a 3rd TKO and finished his boxing career in 2008 with a win over Richel Hersisia. He fought the best of his era including Larry Holmes, Evander Holyfield (In Atlantic City), and Lennox Lewis.
Ray’s pugilistic skills also led him into forays in Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts. In 2009 at age 48 in, 2009, Mercer 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
Among other boxing luminaries being inducted are Bobby Czyz, Bruce Seldon, Evander Holyfield, (posthumously) Hector Camacho Sr., Jeff Chandler, Vinny Paz, and Richie Kates.
Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame will be at The Claridge Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ. The festivities will include
JUNE 1, 2018 ACBHOF OPENING BELL EXPERIENCE
JUNE 2, 2018 ACBHOF FIGHT FAN EXPERIENCE
JUNE 3, 2018 ACBHOF INDUCTION CEREMONY
Ticket Prices: Event Prices Vary
