Was Eusebio Pedroza the lineal Featherweight Champ?

Pretty much...

He gained the Ring's recognition when LaPorte won the vacant WBC title after defeating Miranda for the vacant WBC strap because he had already scored a defeat over him in a prior match.

 

He'd already done that.

 

With Sanchez' demise, Pedroza was the best in the division period. It would have been a moot point for him to fight LaPorte for that title. A man he already defeated.

 

I think Pedroza would have beaten Laporte regardless, but I'm sure Laporte felt differently. Pedroza got away with a ton of fouls in his fight with Laporte.

 

Yes, I believe low blows had a lot to do with Pedroza's late round charge. But laPorte had evolved into a better fighter & earned a match with Sanchez, which was in negotiations when Sanchez passed away.

 

The low blows wouldn't shock me, as LaPorte called The Scorpion "The dirtiest fighter I ever fought".