This isn't an easy fight for Whitaker because Armstrong won't let him control the distance or the pass. Armstrong fought with the conviction that he was going to fight his fight and that the other guy was going to fight Armstrong's fight as well; he won't be waiting to see what Whitaker is up and then trying to react. Whitaker will have to find a way to change Armstrong's mind. It is hard to showboat and pick your angles to attack with a guy glued to your chest and working hard. I don't think that Whitaker can move enough to discourage Armstrong and I don't know if he could punch enough while doing so to win the fight. Whitaker will have to earn the right to control the distance and angles by winning exchanges. Maybe he can do it, maybe not, but I have always thought that that would be the chink in his armor when it comes to fighting guys like Duran and Armstrong.
Ot course it's close, but I don't know how could Armstrong be stopped from controling the range and pace. He woulr outwork and outpunch Whitaker and you can't duck and slip hundreds of punches all fight long.
Tough fight for Whitaker, unlike Ramirez, Chavez, Nelson and other aggressive fighters Whitaker faced , Amrstrongs style is even more relentless. Whitaker found room to operate against the above 3 fighters by turning them,side stepping etc. But Armstrong's head would be stuck in his chest, anytime he tries to turn, Armstrong would be holding, pushing pulling crowding him like no other fighter in history could. Whitaker would have his moments, but the pressure and physicality of Armstrong would eventually wear him down. Whitaker probably wouldn't get stopped. But he would lose a close decision . Super aggressive fighters like Duran, Armstrong and Pryor would be able to stifle Whitaker enough to keep him from getting on track offensively, win a dec.
Henry Armstrong would not be telling Pernell Sweet Pea Whittaker, Oh Sweet Pea Come On And Dance With Me. Instead Henry would be keeping the pressure on Pernell at the get go. His work rate would have Whittaker constantly backing up and against the ropes. Armstrong would not let him set up his southpaw right jab and quick combinations. Henry would cut off the ring and Sweet Pea's escape. I see Henry Armstrong out scoring Pernell to win this one on points, unanimously.
