It would be a repeat of the Benitez/Hearns fight, Whitaker goes the distance based on his excellent defence. But is never able to be aggressive enough to win many rounds, and Hearns wins a pretty decisive decision.
First let me say historically IMO Pernell is one of the greatest ever........... Hearns was never outboxed..............ever. I think his dimensions (at WW) are too much for Sweet Pea to overcome. He loses a decision
Hearns too big, and he knew how to use his height and reach, and he could punch. Whitaker a much smaller guy. It would be another fight similar to Pernell's fight with Trinidad, (granted he was past his prime but I still see this much the same outcome). It might go the distance but I see Hearns winning a decision. Even Leonard couldn't outbox Hearns. Whitaker doesn't have the power up there to take advantage of Tommy's chin.
Good one. Hearns has the workrate and power to decision Whitaker but Pernell is cute enough to take The Hitman all the way.
I love Pernell Whitaker and consider him as being one of the best light weights of all time. But I can’t see how he’d do anything against Thomas Hearns at 147. Just not a practical nor realistic match for him. Out of kindness and respect for Whitaker I voted for him losing a decision. But a KO loss isn’t out of the question
In a 15 round fight if Pernell gets to the 10th without major damage he could steal a close SD. Sweet pea has to be able to wobble Tommy at some point and get him on his back foot like Leonard did.
That's sweet pea's route to victory I believe , he's got to be there late and wobble Tommy with something. I don't think Tommy's stamina and strength held up very well past the 11th or 12th round. I'd make Pernell a live 2 to 1 underdog
Pete doesn't have Leonard's dimensions or power tho. I can't see him winning on the cards as whilst an ATG boxer, excellent radar and good movement, Hearns is going to catch him crossing his feet eventually and with Hearns' power, I'm not sure Pete is going to walk through the fire like a Leonard could to win enough rounds.
This. Hearns at 147 is a bridge too far for Sweet Pea. At 135 he’s a nightmare matchup for anyone up to and including Duran.
I don't see it personally Whitaker is far too small for Hearns 5'6 vs 6'1. Also to beat Hearns you have to come at him aggressively and be willing to take punches, Whitaker also doesn't have the firepower of someone like Hagler, Leonard, Barkley, to really trouble Hearns.