This would not be exciting, but purists might enjoy it. prime for prime at 135 lbs, it's a competitive matchup. Not much leather would land either way. I think Camacho is more gifted, but Whitaker is a lot more disciplined. I think Whitaker wins a close decision.
No, it cannot go either way. Whitaker was a different level and would outclass Camacho. It's also fact that Pea beat the crap outta Camacho in sparring.
The jab, again it's the jab, Pea would control Macho man with it. You would see the separation in class between these two.
Pernell wasn't a different level. And Hector pre-Rosario was a different fighter. It would be close, and Hector could win it, albeit closely.
An excellent poster on another forum a few years back summed this one up in one nifty sentence, and hopefully if he's out there somewhere he won't mind me stealing his line to give my take on this one.... Great ability plus high ring IQ beats great ability on its own almost every time. For that reason, Whitaker by decision.
Whitaker's a top 15 atg and a top 3 all time lightweight. Is Camacho among the 20 best fighters of all time? Yes, I repeat... Whitaker was on a different level.
That's largely based on the fact that Whitaker was consistent and held a 135 title for many years. But their peak level was not all that far apart In 85-86 Camacho was at a very high level. He beat Ramirez about as easily as Whitaker did four years later. Then the Rosario scare, the move up to 140 and the inactivity. Then, boom, prime over. But, name a lightweight that Whitaker beat who was as good as or better than Rosario. If you can only come up with Ramirez, well see above concerning Ramirez. Whitaker had a much longer prime and thus a much higher standing. I think Whitaker would win, but it is a very competitive matchup prime for prime.
They did spar. And Camacho had trouble hitting Whitaker. Neither guy could hurt the other guy. I think Whitaker would outbox Camacho 8-4. Good fight though. Prime for prime it would be nice matchup.