Barney Ross or Pernell Whitaker Who Was The Greater Fighter?

I rank them about equal, personally. I'm glad to see Whitaker getting the appreciation he deserves, but I can't help but think Ross gets underrated too routinely because of losing to Armstrong in his final fight. What he did up until then was legendary, and I think he pays too steep a price legacy-wise for that defeat.

I'd have loved to see what Whitaker would've done had he fought the same career opposition Ross did. And that's no knock on Whitaker's resume whatsoever- but Ross had one of the best the sport's ever seen IMO.

 

Whitaker by a landslide, watch them both on film and get back to me

 

I like Ross he has some impressive skills but Whitaker is another level supernatural type and to be fair you have to see him to appreciate him, his resume doesnt quite do him justice. Plus I'd pick him to beat Armstrong from 135-147

 

They both look great on film.

 

I think Ross is better,

Ross did beat the better list of fighters.

H2H could go either way imo.

 

Agreed.

Besides, Armstrong went on to defend Ross' title a record 18 times, and nearly won the MW title as well. Surely that has to vindicate Ross somewhat.

 

Ross's accomplishments were certainly greater. Anyone arguing otherwise is holding a very futile position. Whitaker is one of the best fighters ever on film, though.

 

^ Little debate can be made with that...Though Barney is certainly very impressive himself on film.

You could probably make a better argument for Ross when all things are averaged out...but Ive always considered Pea a bit higher..probably cause I just like him.

 

Ross has a fantastic resume and was seriously good. Pea is as good as it gets visually. They're both in my top 15.

 

And that's why I take the coward's way out and consider them equal.

 

its Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker , clearly in my opinion

 

I dont think its CLEARY imo.


Ross beat the best of his day, was a 3 weight divsion champ in the 1 belt era.

Held the Welterweight, lightweight and Jr Welterweight title at the same time in 33.

Not to mention wins over a whos who of his era.

Head to head is up for grabs imo. I can see it going either way, but on stats Ross has the lead by a wide margin.