Who had the better defense: Roberto Durán or Pernell Whitaker?

Duran's defense was as good for an offensive fighter as Whitaker's was for a defensive fighter.

In absolute terms, it's Pernell.

 

Yes. Whitaker has an innate advantage in that he wasn’t always pressing the fight. For an oncoming fighter, Durán’s was amazing, but it can’t eclipse a defensive-oriented fighter on Whitaker’s level.

 

Whitaker but Duran wasn't easy at all to hit.

 

Unless your fighting Hit man Hearns..

 

That hurt Fergy, replying to oneself like that. But Duran was the Hit Man's greatest hit no doubt.

Have you read Four Kings by George Kimball?

I picked Sweet Pea as well. Dude was slick but stood and fought.

 

Roberto Duran could do it all.

 

Duran.

 

Yes, it's a excellent book, pal.
I've got it on my book shelf right now.

 

My favorite part, among many, is Emanuel Steward's recollection when Hearns met Duran in Vegas for a fight they attended years before their SuperFight.

 

But you'd have to say Whitaker at the same time.

 

I mean, I would, yes, thank you. For this attention to detail of my own commentary.

 

You are most welcome! My, what a perfect gentleman you are! I am so pleasantly surprised that someone your age, from your generation, is so polite and well-spoken!

 

Oh, gosh. That is very flattering, I think. How-...How old do you think I am? I might be older than you think...

 

Oh, I don't know. Perhaps twenty, twenty-five. Except now that you've asked, maybe more like thirty or even thirty-five?