Ray Mercer vs. Kimbo Slice: Cage Fury Fighting Championship 5 Betting Odds

The Cage Fury Fighting Championship might not be a household name like the UFC but they are hosting a fight this weekend that is sure to peak the interests of all fight fans: Ray Mercer vs. Kimbo Slice.  

This is Carrie Stroup reporting for Sports911.com. 

Ray Mercer has an extremely impressive resume which includes an Olympic gold medal and a WBO World Heavyweight Title. Over the years, Mercer has fought some of the best heavyweights of our times including: Larry Holmes, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko. With his professional boxing career behind him, Mercer has decided to take a crack at the world’s fastest growing sport: Mixed Martial Arts.

Mercer’s opponent is a menacing looking man that goes by the name Kimbo Slice. Although Kimbo might not be a household name like the fighters listed above, he has developed a cult like following due to his bare knuckle fights on YouTube. Any quick search of YouTube will list various backyard fights against untrained and overweight bouncer types that go by the names “Afro Puff”, “Dreads” and “Big Mac”.

Although these fights weren’t sanctioned by any governing body, you can definitely witness Kimbo’s raw ability and power. Kimbo is also new to the MMA world and has never displayed any type of ground game in any of his fights. It should be noted that back in 2003 he squared off against a MMA trained fighter by the name of Sean Gannon who later fought in the UFC. Gannon definitely got the better of Kimbo in this brawl although Kimbo’s team argued that Gannon used knee strikes and a guillotine choke; two moves that supposedly weren’t agreed upon.

Since both fighters are basically unknowns on the ground and come from extremely different backgrounds, it will be very interesting to see how this fight goes. Although Kimbo is extremely powerful and only 31 years old compared to Mercer’s 46, you have to give the stand up advantage to Mercer. The ex-champ was always known for his heavy hands and rock solid chin. Of course you can’t discount the fact that he is a trained boxer. This alone gives him a clear advantage while the fighters are on their feet. Kimbo will most likely try to take this fight to the mat as quick as possible. Because both fighters are extremely unproven, who knows what will happen once on the ground. Kimbo has been training with MMA veteran Bas Rutten. Mercer, on the other hand, reportedly has been training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and supposedly has some type of background in wrestling.

When handicapping this fight, don’t forget to factor in who might want this fight more. In 2005 Mercer fought in a kickboxing fight against Remy Bonjasky where he quit after being kicked in the head. For this reason and the age difference, Kimbo has been placed as the favorite in this bout. You might be able to question Kimbo’s technical skills and experience but there is no way you can his heart and desire.

To bet on this fight and all of the other upcoming MMA fights, log on now to Sportsbook.com. The first in the industry to host MMA and offer odds, Sportsbook.com is the place to cash in on Kimbo vs. Mercer.

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Carrie Stroup, Sports911.com

Originally published June 19, 2007 8:12 pm ET