What would have a Meldrick vs. Whitaker

I LOVED Meldrick. Some of the fastest hands I ever saw. I was not a fan of Whitaker, though I admired his skills.

It would be interesting, but I think Whitaker might just be a little to slick. I think Whitaker really knew how to control a fight, Meldrick tended to dominate more with his hand speed than ring generalship.

 

Whitaker was a better fighter and would win a decision.

 

Whitaker was the greater fighter but Meldrick has the style to beat him because of his overwhelming handspeed. Taylor doesn't have to worry about SweetPea hurting him that much so he could let his hands go.

Good fight goes the distance. Meldrick Taylor close but clear UD.

 

If they had met in 88-90 (pre Chavez), Taylor wins. But it would of been a dull, dull fight. I suspect both knew each other inside out and it is a horrible stylistic match up anyway.

The edge going to Taylor's experience and size at the time.

 

The only chance I give Taylor is maybe when when Pernell lost to Ramirez the first time. But after that he got better, and remember Taylor was never that great defensively. Even when he beat Meekins and McGirt in easy fights if we look at the outcome and cards, he was busted up. I think the speed and defense of Pernell would slow the fight down and he would win a UD. It wouldn't be easy and Meldrick would have to make it a fight, but Pernell might even score a knockdown.

 

I can see it being a bit like Whitaker-Delahoya, with Taylor flurrying and missing but getting points for it where Whitaker lands the cleaner punches.

They were friends though so didn't want to fight I believe

 

I think it could be close and maybe controversial decision either way, I'm not sure to be honest though you can never bet against Whitaker below 154 imo because he's just so good

 

Taylor hits nothing but arms, shoulders and air all fight as long if he consistently opens up with those combinations.

if he used his speed for a more precise straight punching minimalist approach and tries to control the flurrying tendencies he could give Whitaker a hard fight, but i don't think he's that smart and his lack of defence against a dedicated 1-2 oriented fighter would cost him anyway.

As far as him taking on light-hitting defensive specialists goes, i think his approach works better against the ones that were more oriented towards purely countering with powershots ie. Locche, Lora, often Benitez....the ones more inclined to let you throw four or five punches at them before they pick you off.

Sticking a jab in his face will be too disruptive.

 

Whitaker had that great defense but remember Taylor`s hand speed was legendary. I wouldn't doubt that SweetPea can slip some punches but Taylor threw flurries in 4s and 5s and sometimes more. Meldrick is gonna land his punches.

Neither guy is going to hurt the other significantly. I think Meldrick outworks him but maybe Pea would figure out Taylor. He was the smarter greater fighter.

 

A stiff jab to the face is the best way to stop the forward momentum of a flurrying/combination punching specialist like Taylor. If he insists on following through with those extra 2 or 3 punches after getting stopped in his tracks he's gonna look like a ******.

 

Never really thought Whitaker would've had too much trouble with Taylor. It takes more than a handspeed advantage to deal with a guy like Pete, especially when you're not exactly a thinking man's fighter.

 

You may be right. Whitaker is going to be able to hit Taylor who had more of a warrior`s mentality. Problem is he wont be able to hurt him or even discourage him much. Tayor is going to keep the leather flying.

It would be a new experience for Pernell Whitaker to be the slower guy in there. Taylor could push a quicker pace and take Pea out of his comfort zone.

Taylor was more than just a guy with fast hands. He was pretty special in his own right at least pre Chavez. He had a nice offensive skillset and shifted his attack from body to head and head to body. Also tough as nails.

Is it fair to say that win or lose Pernell Whitaker is going to get hit more than any fight in his prime?

 

Just about how I envisage this one. Whitaker was that little bit more accomplished.