Defensive masters ..Whitaker vs Mayweather

Roy Jones (besides Tarver )

 

Yeah maybe, you have a point.

 

Respect! I expected you to pop in and somehow justify a Mayweather win

That's what I also think. Mayweather kept his full mobileness and speed at welter while Whitaker lost a step. This would be an even match-up.

 

Mayweather may've kept his speed, but he lost his offensive efficiency, whereas Whitaker if anything increased his due to his lesser physical tools. I think Whitaker beats Floyd at any weight from 135-147, clearly.

 

Yeah, Mayweather got more cautious but I think he may potshot himself to a close win. Wouldn't make him the favourite but neither would I make Whitaker.

 

Very close fight at any time or weight they meet IMO.

This would be a tactical, masterful boxing match in the mould of a Pea-Mcgirt I or SRL-Benitez fight.

Both guys are amongst the best pure boxers & defensive specialists of all time, safety first but more than capable of a great offence.

Pea has the better jab & is a more fluid combination puncher, FMJ has a bit more pop & is a tad quicker throwing single shots & is a little better of an athlete IMO.

I say Whitaker takes 6 out of 10 but I wouldnt be betting big either way.

I know this prediction will be a terrible piece of news for most classic posters but it is what it is, I call it the way I feel it would go.

 

In terms of technique it is not blasphemous to say Mayweather is better in some areas, his defence from a technical standpoint is near perfect, that's not to say it is better than Whitakers. Whitaker was like something from the matrix, his reflexes are better than Mayweathers. For me why Whitaker is better is because of his ability to force a fight on the front foot. Mayweather is versatile and adaptable and can fight inside, but his inside game is mainly about countering. Whitaker has that extra measure of versatility in being able to act as the stronger man in a fight, and battle away inside to push his man back. Whitaker has the better jab, and is one of the very best ring generals ever. I'm going for him. Mayweather gets a rough ride here though, i reserve that.

 

Bernard Hopkins