Pernell Whitaker vs. Fernando Vargas at 154

That would mean Whitaker was a shot fighter who had to stand and fight, so he would lose to Vargas.

 

Pea was not shot by the time he fought Vasquez. It was after that fight, having gone back down to 147, that he noticably started to decline. Not that he looked very good in the Vasquez fight, of course. But I think that had more to do with the extra pudge than anything. He just looked lethargic. Either way, if he could beat Vasquez I see little reason why he couldn't beat Vargas. There wasn't much of a gap between the two, IMO.

 

Offhand, I'd have to say Vargas on points, as Pea is smaller. Because Pernell is carrying extra weight, his technical abilities won't be nearly as sharp, his stamina would be lesser, and he would be forced to trade more. Not a good omen for a guy who wasn't known for punching power. Basically a repeat of the Trinidad fight.

However, I wouldn't be surprised if Pea managed to eek this out, either.

 

tough call BUT i have a question: would pea feel the need to pack on the pounds? I see no reason for him not to come in at 150 or lighter. there's no way, even at 154, he could ever match vargas in physical strength or punching power. that's one thing i don't get, why put on the pounds if it's a hinderance? his chin won't magically double in durability with 7 extra pounds.

i say if pea came in around 150 tops, he could outpoint vargas.

if he goes up to 154, i say vargas, the prime MONSTER, vargas overwhelms him and keeps him on the backfoot, stealing rounds with aggression and body punching. it would be ugly but i can see vargas gutting out a decision

 

Whitaker weighed in at 153 3/4 for Vazquez.

 

the thing is i put a prime vargas on a whole different level from vazquez, at least in terms of talent and head to head