Mano de piedra duran vs whitaker at lw

I don't think Pea is just going to be on the move. I think with most great offensive fighters, especially ones who are aggressive and come forward, you can't just neutralize and finesse them. There should be some element of standing your ground. I think one thing he'd do at times is to try to spoil up close and hold, and then try to get some offense out of the clinch. He did this more at WW, but I suspect he'd have some of these tactics up his sleeve at LW too. He'd hold with his right arm, try to dig in his left uppercut to the body with his free hand. He had good footwork and balance so he was able to do this with leverage behind him.

Of course, it would not necessarily work though, because Duran was a strong guy who was adept at working out of the clinches. So Whitaker has a tall order here.

I think it's an extremely close fight that goes the distance. Maybe Duran scores a flash KD that makes the difference on the cards.

 

I like Whitaker in this fight. I can see him frustrating the hell out of Duran; if DeJesus could do it, Pernell would even easier. Seriously, I think Whitaker beats Duran

 

Pea by UD 9-3

Duran hates guys that are faster than him and runners. Whitaker is both and virtually unknockoutable at this weight which kind of kills Duran's chances of turning the tide with his power.

 

Duran wasnt trained properly nor mentally prepared for the first Dejesus fight.

 

This is actually one of the closest fights ever in my mind. I fluctuate back and forth between both guys constantly.

I can see both guys winning, Whittaker by keeping Duran off-balance with the jab and lateral movement and coming in with the body shots to hold his own, before skipping off around the side again.

I can also see Duran getting in with right hand leads and keeping the pressure high and swarming Whittaker, I think that is his best bet.

As of now, I think Duran wins it purely by the logic that generally an aggressor beats a defender. A stylistic pick, so to speak.

 

Whitaker has power at lightweight. Duran dose not have the skills to outbox Whitaker. Whitaker is the better defensive boxer of the two. The only advantage that Duran would have is if this were to be a toe to toe slug fest. However I doubt that it is going to be that kind of fight. Even if Duran tries to make it that kind of fight. I'm going with Whitaker by a clear decision over 12 or 15 rounds.

 

Vintage Duran from Dejesus II to Montreal (roughly) takes this. What some are overlooking is Duran's own speed, especially of foot. He closes the gap, and keeps this in the trenches. A great effort by Pea keeps it close.

 

Yeh there is that, but I think Duran could impose his will slightly better being the aggressor than Whittaker could on the back foot (with his lack of power).

I think a swarming Duran of Dejesus II vintage is the best man for the job.