Henry Armstrong v Sweat Pea Whitaker

Armstrong late KO.

 

True. Whitaker would be cute enough to last the distance though.

 

At 135lbs it would a great fight because Whitaker's workrate was also tip-top; nobody could out-hustle Armstrong but Pernell would have unique answers to a common problem.

Could he get Hank at the end of his jab/back-pedal long enough to sculpt rounds in his favour? This is the big problem for Sweet Pea.

Armstrong really kept his chin tucked, and when he got caught they barely seemed to register. But it wasn't so much they didn't hurt as it was that he didn't need to reset - bad news for any boxer. Nothing could keep him from closing the gap. Whitaker would have to try and get Henry to cross his feet with that elastic movement of his, ducking very low underneath hooks to then pepper him from the side. Armstrong did lunge in a bit. Pernell's superb movement could potentially turn his aggression into a loophole.

But could he derail him at the same rate Armstrong lays down track? Probably not.

The clincher for me is that Armstrong was quite tricky and constantly threw short, chopping shots, not wasteful home-run swings; he was an investment type of fighter, not a gambler. When he does miss another will be on the way, one to the gut, one on the shoulder, and if he has to thump Pernell's hips all night, so be it. They'll be no slowing down.

Whitaker is there at the final bell, and there are times when he hints at a winning formula, but too much is coming his way as his slips, ducks and creates all kinds of shapes on his way to a decision loss which bares no bad aftertaste.

 

Is Sweat Pea an intentional dig based on that misspelling on his robe once?

 

They fought in 2 different era's comparing them is impossible. Being a good fighter in the 1940's skill wise isn't as impressive as being a good skilled fighter in Whitaker's time.

It is so funny how most of you will hear a myth about some old time fighter even though there is no footage of them and believe it. You people have the minds like little dumb children. I feel sorry for you. Not really

 

The ultimate contrast in styles here...with two ATG's. One of Whitaker's strongest suits was the ability to hit on the move, without resetting. Add on to this, off the charts defensive awareness...Whitaker's head AND body is always off center. Henry looks to rumble...but doesn't have a willing partner for up close warfare.Armstrong's effectiveness would diminish if he doesn't have someone to lean on, and chip away at...Whitaker jabs, pivots, and is also adept at tying his opponent up when he needs to,and then getting back on his bicycle. Ultimately a frustrating night for Armstrong...
Whitaker points.

 

Just because there is no footage doesn't mean its a myth. Its possible to "imagine" a matchup between them even if they are from different eras.

 

Can't really argue with Hank on workrate. It is the safe bet. Especially with a classic jury from Hank's age, who will value his power punching and aggression.

The thing is, Whitaker can't miss him. Other fighters could -- Armstrong could be real awkward and clever inside, catching punches but not the full brunt of them. To a man who can sidestep quick and create angles like Whitaker, there is no easier target. Hank will miss his fair share and run into a well-leveraged punch.

The other thing is, of course, that Whitaker's punch won't stop him in his tracks, and Pea's often underrated bodywork won't slow him down. Henry is such a glutton for punishment I doubt Whitaker's most savage work will be anything more than he expected for the night.

Hank on points. Pea looks a bit dented at the end. Hank bleeds a little from a superficial cut and celebrates his vistory.

 

This is bad.atsch

The fighters from the 30s and 40s were the greatest fighters that ever lived.

 

At `47 its a walk in the park for Armstrong. Whitaker lost quite a bit of his sharpness as he moved up for various reasons.

At `35 its a good competitive fight with Hank winning a close but clear decision. I don`t think too many people if anyone stop Pernell Whitaker. Maybe Armstrong is one that could do it but I doubt it.

Homicide Hank was just that. Non stop motion, non stop movement coming forward never letting Sweet Pea get the time or room necessary to box. A swarmer like Hank doesn`t care if he misses a punch or two punches he gonna fire in salvos.

I just think he outworks Whitaker who was a true All Time Great in his own right.