Chavez/Whitaker: October 1988

Agree with Lax , JCC would be a lot better at this time and was better at LW than he was at WW , close SD win for Pea , who I thought won their bout with ease , out fought JCC on the inside as well as the out side.

 

Whitaker was pre-prime, Chavez was at his best but I still think Whitaker's style is all wrong for CHavez. Despite being 'inexperienced' (didn't he have 600amateur bouts or something silly) Whitaker was still a masterful boxer, the defense, the movement, the jab, was already the best in LW history as far as I'm concerned. Chavez just doesn't have an answer to the Whitaker puzzle

 

Bump because is helluva match.
I pick Whitaker but it would have been definitely closer.

 

I actually don't think Whitaker wins he wasn't ready for the Chavez fight and the controversial decision loss to Ramirez was a blessing in disguise.

Whitaker run too much vs Ramirez and looked a tad inexperienced and green. And whilst I do think Whitaker deserved the win vs Ramirez although @Saintpat @scartissue see it as very close.

But regardless Whitaker hadn't quite reached his peak yet where as Chavez was at his absolute peak.

If it was the version of Whitaker who put on a masterclass vs Ramirez in their 2nd fight I'd favour Whitaker. But the Whitaker who run too much vs Ramirez in their 1st fight and was still a bit green ? I'd take Chavez.

 

Woe betide anyone who is backing Chávez here. As much as he’s an ATG, he is never going to be in Whittaker’s class in any way other than career achievements. Whitaker has his number at any weight.