Was Pernell Whitaker really that good?

Floyd is more likely to come forward being he's the bigger and naturally more aggressive fighter. And as good as Floyd is at it, I just can't see Floyd being able to stick and move with the master of sticking and moving. And let's not forget, Whitaker would be the best soutpaw Floyd had ever faced and would be more likely have to walk Whitaker down, which would play into Sweet Pea's hands.

 

I'm not saying he'd be hurt by them, but it's a punch that could conceivably land more often than any other, and as a result a punch that Floyd would most likely opt to use above any other.

 

True, but then again, Floyd has been hit by numerous lefts by southpaws and Whitaker is the ultimate southpaw. Just doesn't carry power but he had enough to win.

 

Niether fighter has the power to really knock out each other. The odds of a knockout for either fighter is low. If they fight 10 times you might see a knockout in 2. I just dont see how Floyd keeps up with Whitaker's work rate or movement. With his forward and back movement Floyd wouldn't be in very good position to counter Whitakers jab but Whitaker can counter Floyd's lead right all day.

 

I agree with that. Never have I doubted Whitaker's ability to win the fight. I'd favour him in an 8-4 type decision.

 

Even if he doesn't I think his better hand speed would make him a slight favorite over Whitaker.

 

You think hand speed is enough to favour someone over Whitaker? I don't.

 

Sweet Pea is just....man it's an honor to watch a guy apply his mastery of a craft.

I think Floyd and Pea would be a close fight. Floyd has the quickness and extraordinary ring IQ to cut the ring off..This fight would be won on the inside...

 

he is that good, in many ways he is underrated! I consider him top 10 ATG

 

I don't think Floyd's hands are that much faster if thatbut there close. Whitaker is fast though, pretty fast. Floyd wasn't faster than Judah and probably isn't faster than Khan so the "fastest fighter today" I don't think he is. With the exception of Camacho, Whitaker was the fastest fighter in his time.

 

it would be amazing to watch. both guys are extremely skilled. i think floyd throws shorter punches on the inside and might be able to get the best of him. tough tomake a decision. floyds power at the lower weights is really being underrated. at 135 floyd has the bigger punch.

 

Whitaker was pretty fast, but it was mainly his extraordinary reflexes and boxing instincts that got him by. As far as hand speed is concerned, there have been many faster. Floyd is one of them. Camacho in his prime was faster than either (and pretty much anyone else, for that matter).

Doesn't make much of a difference in a match-up between them, though. Skills do.

 

on pure talent he is up ther but in accomplishments top 15-20 imo

 

Put simply, Sweat Pea was one of the most naturally gifted fighter the sport has produced.

The 'one handed' comment would be funny if it wasn't so serious.

 

He got robbed against Ramirez, JCC and ODLH (bigger and prime) only clear loss in a big fight was against tito when he was on coke and well past his Best.