Could anybody between 130 - 140 be a favorite...

noone at lw.

 

I probably wouldn't favor anybody but if I had to pick somebody or I was thrown into a lake of fire, I would go for Benitez. If Leonard won it would be by pulling out a couple of knockdowns. Benitez is one of the greatest defensive fighters of all time, a superb counter puncher, with a decent punch and great hand speed. He's also four inches taller, with quick feet. His only two shortcomings we're his lack of dedication (and in a hypothetical he would come in in great shape) and his weak beard. But I don't think Pernell hits hard enough to make that a factor. Hell I've talked myself into it. El Radar by SD.

 

Pep would be my second choice behind Leonard.

 

Speedy types like Willie Pep, Floyd Mayweather, and perhaps Benny Leonard and Tippy Larkin as well would outbox him.

Whitaker would have to use his superior in-fighting game against those guys to beat them.

And I think he would...

 

nice call on larkin

 

Cheers. The Sparkplug called it first though, so kudos go to him :good

 

I always though Meldrick Taylor would have had some success against Pea, I am not saying he would win, but i can see him landing often. He isnt very hard to hit which is why i would still favor Pea.

 

In mentioning speedy guys you'd have to think about Hector Camacho too... Though again, Hector wasn't that hard to hit and he'd probably still find a way to get outboxed despite the speed advantage.

 

Given that Buddy McGirt nearly won their first fight fighting one-handed, I would pick a two handed, healthy McGirt to beat Whitaker.

 

Seeing as Whitaker was a defensive master, anyone who could "outwork" or KO him has basically out-thought him !
Especially with the KO punch .. the essence of a defensive master is to avoid damaging punches altogether or minimize the ones you fail to avoid ... when a defensive master walks into a one-punch KO, he's been out-thought somewhere along the line.

Anyway, I guess the question is really intended to amount to : who could outbox him to a fair decision at that weight.
The first choice must be Benny Leonard perhaps.
And there may be a few others.

 

Don't really see a left hook being much a factor myself, unless you think Buddy opening himself up to arguably the best southpaw jab of all time is a good idea. The fight could potentially be worse for McGirt if he has the left hook at his disposal.

Ask Oscar de la Hoya about the virtues of a left hook against Whitaker. :good

 

I wouldn't favour anyone.

Good tests would be Camacho and Benitez. The Benitez who beat Cervantes would be a real good match.

 

This might sound like a joke but Camacho's style and rare physical tools would give Whitaker problems...