Julio Cesar Vasquez vs. Ronald 'Winky' Wright

When people discuss Whitaker's career, the Vasquez win is left out too often. It's become a very underrated/underappreciated win.

 

Most certainly. Had Whitaker not fought him, and on the off chance a hypothetical matchup between the two came up at 154, I guarantee most would say Pea was just too small and would get beaten up. The more I reflect on Pea the more I see how great he was in head to head terms.

 

What are your thoughts on Whitaker-Wright at 154?

 

Part of me says Wright, due to it being his natural weight, and being the naturally bigger man. Part of me says, hasn't Whitaker proven himself against bigger men very well before?

Based on styles, Whitaker has much more variety, and is a better counter-puncher. He relies on his reflexes and upper-body movement for his defense, which also allows him to be in better position at times for a good counter-strike. Wright's defense is tight, but he doesn't have near the variety on offense as Whitaker, so while I see both throwing a good amount, I see Pea's variety on offense getting the better of that part of the fight. I also see Pea using movement better, which plays more into his style, and which he would have to do to offset Wright's early pressure.

Based on Pea's fight with Vasquez at 154, I believe fully he is capable of fighting like that, but Wright is still the bigger, stronger fighter, which also plays a role. In short, I could see it going either way. Style-advantage to Pea, size advantage to Wright. It's a "Don't sleep on either" type of fight.

 

I'd take Pea over Wright.

Wright doesn't like defensive movers stylistically, but his size and jab may be an issue. It's nothing like a heavy favourite, but I'd really be somewhat confident on Pea 8 rounds to 4 at 154.

 

Wright ouotboxed him that fight, those KD's just killed him.