Pernell Whittaker Versus Roberto Duran

Duran clear UD

 

I’m making Duran a narrow favorite. Duran was in my mind the best lightweight of all time but Whitaker has a live chance

 

Sweet P

 

GETS STOPPED!

 

Jose Luis Ramirez wasn't half the lightweight that Duran was and he turned the trick.

 

Sweet Pea got this. Can outbox him at range and compete with him on the inside. I'll take Sweet Pea by decision.

 

Whitaker.

 

Do you think his reflexes, jab and underrated prowess on the inside keep Duran at bay?

 

I do. He’s miles better than anyone Duran faced at 135. The converse is also true, but Whitaker has the tools to offset him I think.

 

Whitaker, by decision, but I think both have the ability to beat the other. If Duran is on, and truly at his best, and pumped like he was the first time against Leonard, he wins. I think his activity would pull it out for him.

 

Fair enough.

I happen to think that Duran, at his very best, likely wins on points but then I'm also minded that Pete is quick enough, slick enough and strong enough to eek out enough rounds when you score it round by round rather than overall impression of the fight.

Duran will no doubt be the aggressor but outside of catching him whilst crossing his feet momentarily, not sure I see Duran dominating him enough at mid-range negotiation to the inside to negate the outside battle where I feel that Pete's jab variety and workrate present a difficult puzzle for Duran to solve.

 

There's no wrong answer here. Both have the ability to beat the other. Although I personally think Duran at his absolute best has a greater chance in beating the best version of Whitaker.

 

Edwin Viruet gave Duran fits ... Whitaker was an all time top five at 135 ... Keep in mind prime Oscar and Tito at 147 could barely touch him when he was already drowning in drugs ... Whitaker has a hell of a chance to decision Duran ... Duran's only shot is to be the absolutely best version of himself at 135 meaning in top condition, something he rarely was ... then it';s a super tight decision one way or another ...

 

Hmmm, Duran always seemed to come in ready when the threat of the opposition was perceived to be high up and until Montreal.

Not saying the absolute best condition he could be, but good enough to meet the challenge.

At 135 lbs, I think Roberto would be ready - whether he would win, I can see both of them winning comprehensively enough. When I see Duran winning, however, it isn't by KO as some have suggested over the years.