Everybody knows that Aaron Pryor is ranked as 1 of the very best 140 lbers in boxing history, we also know that in Pernell Whitakers short stay at the weight, he looked awesome but what would happen if the `Sweet Pea` who challenged Rafael Pineda stepped up to challenge the same `Hawk` that beat Arguello. My vote goes to Pernell Whitaker by Unanimous Decision. Superb fight tho, would be a classic blend of styles.
I can't see Whitaker having an easy time with Pryor, who was no Chavez stylewise when it came to pressure. Whitaker would have a lot more on his mind in terms of offense coming his way. However, Whitaker does have the kind of style which shuts down an opponents punch output. This is one of the reasons I feel a Whitaker would have beaten a prime Duran at lightweight. Pryor wasn't exactly a defensive specialist. He left his chin out to dry often. Not that I would expect Whitaker to KO him, but he would be open for straight punches up the middle. Arguello was flat-footed and mechanical, Whitaker was pretty much the opposite. Very fluid in all directions. Whitaker via decision.
It would be a Decision certainly, possibly both fighters tasting the canvas(I'll explain if neccessary). I think Whitaker was more flat-footed at 140, thus making him an easier target for Pryor, which makes it harder to favor him handily(though I'd favor the LW version). Still, Whitaker was the better technical boxer, and while Pryor was at his best early on in fights, Whitaker was never a Mayweather(meaning he never had to adapt to an opponent) so he would be able to deal with Pryor even in the early stages in my opinion. Close decision, but I'll go with my boy. No problems with anyone taking Pryor by Decision though.
Pryor gets massively overrated these days IMO. But this is one fight I can see him having the tools to win.
I think Pryor would show Whitaker speed and work rate that he'd never seen before. Pryor by decision.
Cant see anyone getting stopped in this 1... its going to pts. Close decision in favour of Whitaker, I cant see even a great fighter like Pryor winning enough rds to win the fight vs Whitaker, who at this stage in his career performed complete shutouts vs good (not great) fighters... I think Pryor takes more punches than Pea in this fight. I imagine this fight would look similar to Pea v Nelson except Pryor would be a lot more competitive but still lose a decision. I just dont see Pryor hurting Pea enough to wear him down for the KO or pts win. Whitakers technical boxing skills were a good level above Pryors & all the power & relentlesness in Pryors arsenal wouldnt be enough to close that gap Im afraid. WHITAKER UD PRYOR
Pryor when motivated is something Pernell has never experienced. In reality I wouldn't bet against Pryor here. Pryor tames Pernell over 15.
Sweet Pea is one of my all-time favorite boxers, but I'd have to go with Pryor by decision. Pernell could very well win, he was the superior boxer, could match Pryor's speed, had the defense to make Pryor miss a lot, had the chin to take Pryor's shots, and the capability to stand in front of and trade with superior offensive fighters, but Pea lacked the punch to keep Pryor away. He had the footwork, but Pryor had fantastic lateral movement and his all-out assault could disrupt Pernell, although that is something very difficult to do, because Pea did not need to get into a rhythm to box. Maybe I shouldn't have picked Pryor, because I really can't decide. I've always felt the key to beating a prime Pryor (a feat that was never accomplished) was bodypunching, and Pernell was an excellent bodypuncher. It would go to a decision, Pernell would never truly hurt Pryor, who may at a couple points in the fight hurt Pea, and Pryor's busier, more offensive style would give him the edge in the eyes of the judges. It's a very, very close fight. By the way, Whitaker is the greater fighter by a good distance P4P.
I think Pryor's relentless mid-range attack is one of the most effective ways to fight whitaker so I am giving him the syle advantage and there for the UD
No they do not, that is very debatable, although Pryor is up there in the debate. Back to the question: A horrible fight for Pryor he would have fits with Whitaker. Sweet Pea would sweep the early rounds but eventually Pryor would gain control and it would be Hawk's time! Pryor would dominate late maybe even flooring Whitaker in the Championship rounds, but still Whitaker's early dominace would ever so slightly give him the edge. Whitaker WS15 (143/141 on my card) This would be even better fight at 135 where IMO both peaked.
Whitaker's supreme defense and anticipation will work well vs the often reckless punching Pryor IMO. I just don't think he can overwhelm Whitaker's tight defense and economy of movement. Whitakers workrate and stamina, tho very different in style was also very impressive. Whitaker's speed will also be very noticable in conjunction with his evading Pryro's wilder shots and countering. Whitaker UD in a fine, competitive and entertaining to the end matchup.