A prime Pernell Whittaker.

If he had a punch + retained all his other attributes, he`d be up there but still behind Robinson IMO, the only thing Pea does better than SRR is dodge punches IMO, giving him a good punch would only close that gap so far, not enough to pull level IMO.
He`d possibly rank alongside Ray Leonard.

 

:good Your mention was fully justified.

I think I class Pernell in the same boat as a Ray Leonard. Even without the knockout punch, Sweet Pea still had enough at his disposal to go on to be the greatest of all time if the circumstances were different. Perhaps not enough names, some decisions went his way perhaps, or he didn't get enough fights under his belt before he started to decline. Point being, he was as talented as anybody. I think Ray could have been much more with what he had, and that's a fabulous compliment considering what he actually achieved. Same with Pea.

 

I think he's a better fighter and more complete fighter than Leonard. Outwith the power of course.

 

Absolutely. The footage speaks for itself.

It wasn't just who he beat, but the manner in which he did it. He didn't just beat Nelson and Chavez, he outclassed them.

 

The only thing Pea does better than SRR is dodge punches?? Can't say I agree with that at all.

Pea has a better all-round defensive side to his game and a better jab.

His speed (of hand and foot), his infighting skills and fighting off the back foot are as good as Robinson's too - as great as Robinson was in these areas.

Of course Robinson has his advantages too (the offensive side to his game), but to say Robinson does everything better except dodge punches is silly.

 

I don't think Pernell Whitaker is a better fighter than Ray leonard. I think they both had their strengths. Ray Leonard was a superior offensive fighter, and Pernell was the superior defensive fighter.

Why do you consider Whitaker "more complete"?

 

I always have one hand tied behind my back when discussing SRR, because I haven't seen the welterweight version. But from what I have seen, I would agree he has a superb jab, but for me Pea's is one of the very best ever, an almighty weapon.

 

Better pure boxer at long range with the busier jab. More varied defensively. Equally as good an offense, IMO. What clouds all this is Whitaker's lack of power.

 

To say Whitaker`s speed of hand & foot is better (or equal) to Robinson`s is silly IMHO, its clear as day on film that Robinson was faster regardless of size.

His foot movement in general (not speed of foot), combination punching & body punching were superior also, thats clear to me.

Id also say the jab of SRR was on a par with Whitaker`s also... & the jab was arguably Pea`s most effective weapon.

:good

 

Pea's jab and infighting ability are clearly better than Robinson's imo, at least from the footage available of him.