Salvador Sanchez V Pernell Whitaker - 1988?

It’s hard to really say how well Sanchez would have done 2 weight classes up. I personally think Arguello would have beaten Sanchez at 130.

Assuming Sanchez is just as effective at LW as he was from FW I still think Whitaker would be the worst possible stylistic match up for him. Sanchez always shined against punchers and more aggressive fighters but seemed to have a harder time against boxers that force him to lead. Whitaker won't give Sanchez as much counterpunching opportunities that he's used to.

 

Its impossible to tell how Sanchez would've done at the higher weights, but stylistically Whitaker is all wrong for Sanchez.

Sanchez liked fighters who come towards him, when he had to chase an opponent he looked far more beatable.

Overall I think Whitaker would win a decision.

 

Doubt Sanchez would even be fighting then, and I don't think he'd be anywhere near as good at the higher weight anyway. Usually the ones who can fight at higher weights as well as lower ones is that they carry their power up north. Sanchez wasn't a crushing puncher even at 126. It assumes a lot to say he'd have success at 135.

Pea wins as he pleases over 12. Not close.

 

Sanchez is one of my top 5 favorites ever. But this is a great post.

 

Lateral movement bothered the great Alexis Arguello. Vilomar Fernandez who lasted 13 rounds against WBA Lightweight Champion Roberto Duran on Jan 29 1977 defeated Arguello by unanimous decision in a non title bout about a tear later with movement. Salvador Sanchez did possess good lateral movement. In 1988, Salvador Sanchez would have been 29 years of age, he and Whittaker could have been entertaining. Both were cool, calm and collected in the boxing ring.

 

While I bow to the other posters greater knowledge I recently rewatched the Whitaker vs Ramirez 1 fight and had Jose Luis winning by 1 point and found it a far more competitive fight than I expected given the legend. I mean I was genuinely surprised when I tallied my score and felt like I had done a bad thing or gone insane going against the orthodoxy! Given that Sweet Pea at 15-0 (who I am a fan of btw) hardly had it all his own way against a rock hard come forward Mexican is there not a possibility Sanchez' greater experience (given the scenario) would give him the edge, given he is a greater fighter than Ramirez?

Of course it is a massive stretch to imagine SS two weights up and still have a clear idea of how effective he would be but just thought I would throw in, my possibly ignorant, 2 cents!

 

Whitaker was pre prime when he faced Ramirez the 1st time, and become a better fighter when he learned not to run away so much. As evident when he schooled Ramirez 12-0 in the rematch.

Also Ramirez was a Southpaw and fought nothing like Sanchez, plus Sanchez had difficulty in fights when he had to chase opponents. Whitaker style wise is all wrong for the counter puncher Sanchez who prefers fighters to come towards him.

 

Even though he was tall for 126, I never saw Salvador as a guy who would carry 135 well. I could see him growing into 130 and still being at the top of his game but lacking much pop and figuring he might slow a tad by the time he topped out at lightweight I thought that would have been a bridge too far.

Sadly, we’ll never know.

 

Whitaker on points for reasons stated.

 

Not disagreeing with you but the OP did say he was suggesting a pre-prime Whitaker for this match up with a 15-0 record so I thought this maybe a factor.

 

I still don't think stylistically it's a good match up for Sanchez especially at Lightweight. Remember Sanchez almost lost to Patrick Ford who only had 16 fights aswell.

Another thing to factor into which hasn't been mentioned yet. This fight would be 12 rounds and not 15 rounds, which also greatly increases Whitakers chances of victory.

 

Yes good points!

 

I think a fighter as good as Sweet Pea might be a step to far for Sanchez at 135 pounds. But who knows what Salvador would have looked like at that weight in his late 20's