Roberto Duran vs Pernell Whiraker at 147

Who, how and why?

 

I am leaning ever so SLIGHTLY towards Pernell Whitaker by virtue of his speed, defense and southpaw stance. But it’s not something I would bet a nickel on

 

Whitaker MD, would probably look close live but clear on a rewatch.

 

Duran ..tight UD

 

Whitaker, Duran to me is a little overrated after he moved up from lightweight.

 

Doesn’t matter the weight, really. Whitaker was just simply better.

 

Duran version first fight against SRL beat Whitaker by UD as well.

 

Whitaker takes it by a whisker.

 

Duran that fought Palomino or in Montreal shape and mood squeaks a decision either 9 - 6 or 8 - 7.

As good as Pernell was, he was a better LW than WW and that version of Duran was quick, had superb defensive instincts and threw a brilliant right hand. That crossing of feet that Pete did routinely will get timed and I think he could get dropped.

Duran may be surprised by the crispness of Pete's jab and may find the head hard to time, but Roberto's digs to the body and inside work (Pete was no slouch on the inside) will shine through over the distance.

Despite what some may suggest, there is no knockout here.

Contradictorily, if Duran is in less than Montreal mindset and shape, Pete could very well have the upper hand on him, using his movement and jab to pick up points, keeping Roberto having to reset. These are two elite fighters - it would be entertaining to watch as there's a few dynamics that could see it play out several ways.

 

Nahh

 

At 135 it's a very nip and tuck fight.
SweetPea was a true boxing master at 135 and briefly at 140. He became more hittable at Welterweight. The southpaw stance is a factor.
I don't see a stoppage necessarily but I believe over 15 rounds Duran's laser right hand lead would hurt SweetPea or cause some sort of damage. The way he delivered that right hand in theory would be a threat to Whitaker.
I'm certain that Pernell Whitaker could make this an ugly fight. Trying to limit the exchanges. To win it though he has to open up enough hit Duran.
Pea would find Duran a slippery target as well.
Duran by UD with a knockdown.

 

Actually think this could turn into another version of Duran V SRL 1.
Duran makes Whitaker fight his type of fight, and gets a narrow decision

 

Leonard had that height at 5-10 and even more speed than Pernell who was about the same height as Duran. By the time Whitaker reached his prime George Benton had him in the pocket slipping and going to the body. IDK if they might alter that for Duran.

 

I agree Duran is overrated. many so so lightweights went to the late rounds or lost on points

However, I think Duran WOULD catch Pernell often enough and hard enough to wear him down late get the nod

 

12 lightweight defenses 11 of them got knocked out. Some ran then got tracked down and knocked out.