Leonard wins this one going away. Terrible match-up for Whittaker. Only Pernell's amazing defense gets him to the final bell.
Similar to Leonard/Benitez. Whitaker would win some rounds with his superb defence but ultimately Leonard would be too fast, too strong, with the superior offence and he would in a competitive but clear decision.
Pea at welter is simply not his optimal weight. He’s too naturally small at that weight to take on a natural 147 of Ray Leonard’s caliber. Crafty enough probably to see the final bell, but not to win many rounds. Ray easy UD.
Leonard pretty easily. Whitaker was better at lower weights. P4p speaking, I still pick peak Leonard over peak Whitaker, but it’s competitive. Straight up at 147, not so competitive.
Yea I think of that fight and also Delahoya where DLH similar speed got nulified by Whitaker's skill and defense. The thing is that was a past prime Pea who nearly lost to Hurtado in the prior fight Also Ray lost the first 4 rounds to Mayweather Sr IMO before he overpowered him with combinations and bodyshots. Whitaker would be much tougher for Ray than FMS
Leonard by convincing decision. Better tools, more athletic talent, just as high a Ring IQ. I think he would take some rounds to find his rhythm against an extremely tricky southpaw spoiler but would hit a groove in round 4 and carry the fight from then on.
That was exactly my first thought as well, even though Sweet Pea had a great defense he might not go the distance, Hearns and Benitez didn't .
Pea only just got by Buddy McGirt who had a torn rotator cuff taking away his best punch - his left hook. And still he decked Whitaker and barely lost. Fully fit, prime Ray Leonard at welterweight v Whitaker? Could even be a shut out. What's Pernell going to do?
I think Leonard wins this one comfortably. I don't think Pernell has the power to stop Leonard from unloading and I don't think Leonard would become befuddled and stop moving his hands even though Pernell would be able to duck and dodge some shots. Who knows though? Maybe Leonard would "no mas" after Sweet Pea confused him for some rounds, doubt it though. Leonard would be able to find him and would keep putting volume on Pernell, winning nearly every round maybe stopping him late.