Manny Pacquiao vs Pernell Whitaker

Yes i have to say, i too have suddenly found myself beset by doubt over the outcome of this mythical matchup.After watching the destruction of much bigger finesse laden southpaw technician Margarito, i feel it's highly relevant we reconsider our views on how Manny might do with this similarly styled consensus great.

 

At 147 Pacquiao has a better chance than at 135 for sure. Before we get into it Addie though, can i just ask, when you say that no longer are you able to accept that line, do you mean because of Pac's recent fight? I just don't see how it has any bearing, but not just because Margarito and Whitaker have nothing in common, but in general. What happened the other night was expected wasn't it? And has been displayed before by Pacquiao, i just don't see how it changes our perceptions of him.

 

Its internet age every fight is an uber important superfight that changes everything syndrome.

 

I see.

 

i have to disagree that fighters have to share stylistic similarities to change an opinion on the outcome. every fight that enhances pac`s legacy (and the margo fight certainly does), can presumably enhance his standing against the greats.

whitaker fought, and beat, much bigger men (ie: vasquez) as has manny. i think the common trajectories of their careers allow us comparison overall, even if on a fight by fight basis no one fighter resembles whitaker we can see how they handle similar opposition

and getting right to the point, whitaker NEVER fought anyone like manny. ever. the only time he fought someone ``better`` than manny it was a past prime chavez. the only time he fought someone as quick as manny it was oscar, and he lost. it goes both ways

 

Fight gets closer at 147 than it would be at 135, for sure.

However, I do believe that Whitaker presents one of the 2 challenges I can't see Pacquiao overcoming in head to head challenges: The defensive minded, technical wunderkind with a stellar jab and laser like delivery.

Pacquiao is a tough fight for just about anybody in his current form, but I feel he'd be hit more in this matchup than he would be able to connect back, and Whitaker would clown Manny just enough, not on the whole, but enough, to score points whilst making Manny look silly at times. I look at this as, I don't think Manny can score enough to stop Pernell, he'd probably miss a majority of his output, and I can't see the precise Whitaker missing a majority of what he throws back. Thats a recipe for a close, clear decision win for the technician.

Manny picks up a few rounds on workrate, and Whitaker wins maybe 8-4. Manny is a great fighter, but unless said all-time great boxer is fragile of chin or constitution, he probably loses to most of the absolute top echelon technical wizards in his weight ranges.

The Margarito fight didn't impress me-I thought Pacquaio would get the job done earlier, get hit less, and not even need to find a second wind when Margarito didn't go away.

 

:good Pac has a better chance of beating Whitaker than Duran. Pac is an underrated technical fighter

 

sadly i agree, ONLY because whitaker is possibly the worst fight for duran of all time

 

How?? Pacquiao isn't as good as Duran at applying pressure or roughing people up. He's also not nearly as good with his defense...Margarito was landing with jabs a decent amount, and so was Cotto (and Clottey with right hands). Pac likes to fight at a certain distance and is rhythmic. He'd give Sweet Pea some problems with his unorthodox movements and all-around speed because he's a great fighter, but Pea could control him easier with his jab, counters, body punches, and precise punching. I just can't see manny getting in that in and out rhythm he loves to use and i definitely cant see people saying after the fight that "Pac's pressure was too much for Pea to handle." Manos de Piedra is a whole different story...i just think he's a class above pac which isn't to knock one of boxing's all time greats.

 

This is a heck of a fantasy matchup. I see it being very difficult for both and almost impossible to predict accurately as they've never faced another fighter even close to each other's styles.

I would have to say that pea would land some very nice shots, upstairs and down. Manny would have to adapt to this but i have no idea how that would pan out. I've never seen him in there with a slick boxer. I'm used to seeing him facing some tough boxer punchers.

 

That's about all i do these days.I'm washed up.

 

Hahaha, is this a response to my post in the General?

Anyway addie, like I said before I do think Whitaker would outbox manny, making him look silly at times like he did with hoya even outside of his best performances when DLH was in his element. I've never seen Pacquiao face off against a fighter with the level of technical completeness and athletic ability of sweet pea, and based on performances against Marquez i'd argue that even the new, more clever, well rounded, two handed Pacquiao would still have trouble with Pea at 140-7. I think it's a lock for Pea at 135.

Nothing against Pacquiao, I love the guy and rank him above Pea. But a boxer puncher open to counters, vulnerable to body attacks will have a bad day against Whitaker.