How do you see that fight going? And if you are in the mood, throw peak Emile Griffith into the mix as well. Who'd top this three-man tournament?
Pea would have his moments, but theres no way I see him beating Leonard at 147. Ray would win a convincing decision.
I think Ray would win a decision. He has the speed of hand and foot, combination punching and ability to throw flurries in close that would negate Pea's jab and (at times) get to Pea convincingly. 12 rounds 116-112 Leonard, with Pea showing himself to be the brilliant fighter he is in spurts. I think Pea's movement, consistant jab and allround offensive game would keep the fight at cagey quarters at times, but what a mix of tactical shifts and fast punching exchanges it would be.
Can't see Pea winning. Not because he was so much worse but Leonard was a little better than him in the offensive game, had at least as fast hands, more power and was the bigger man. Pea would have his moments.
Ray would find Pea way more than Chavez or Mcgirt ever did & Pea would feel them shots, I think Pea takes a couple of early feel out rds when both are boxing each other, Ray takes a couple also, nothing in either of them & I see Pea edging a couple of mid rds even when the fight has warmed up but once the power lands I think Pea will be too defensive & try to win the fight SOLELY on the back foot. Ray aint no dummy & would press Pea intelligently allowing himself occassional bursts of aggression where he will throw hard vicious 5-6 punch combinations where 1 or 2 will always find somewhere to land, he wont be wary of Pea`s power but wont get too reckless because of the point scoring situation, Pea will have showed him enough to earn this respect. Dont be surprised if Whitaker takes a flash KD or 2 but I expect his senses to be there at the end of a spirited performance... but ultimately one in which he is outgunned vs a stronger, faster opponent that can hang with him skillwise enough to make those advantages tell. Leonard W12 Whitaker or Leonard TKO15 Whitaker :good
I'd give him a better chance than I would the '85 Bears against the '72 Dolphins, slightly. And not quite as good a chance as the '03 Bucs against the '84 Niners.
There's no way i'd pick Pernell tbh. Against his master boxer opponent, Laoenard would be able to use the centre of the ring well also, he can hit with flurries, and move around setting up shots whilst doing so. I'd favour Leonard definitely. Not a shutout, Whittaker's just too good, he'd counter to the body when Leoanard is doing his thing. But wouldnt take it imo.
