Where would you rate Pernell Whitaker among the all time great lightweights?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by mr. magoo, Mar 4, 2010.


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  1. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    I have always thought rather highly of Pernell "sweet pea " Whitaker, particularly for his work at lightweight. He was beating some very good fighters at an early stage in his career, ended up unifying the crown, and his only loss at that weight was deemed as one of the worst robberies in the history of the sport... His efforts at welterweight were very good too, and he definitely deserved the nod over the 87-0 Chavez.

    I don't know where people rate him these days, but we don't seem to see a great deal of threads on him lately.
     
    mr. magoo, Mar 4, 2010
    mr. magoo, Mar 4, 2010
    #1
  2. Unforgiven

    Unforgiven VIP Member banned Full Member

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    Top 10 definitely.

    He was sublime at lightweight. He shut so many decent challengers out, good fighters who couldn't win a round against him. They couldn't lay a glove on him actually.
     
    Unforgiven, Mar 4, 2010
    Unforgiven, Mar 4, 2010
    #2
  3. Sweet Pea

    Sweet Pea Obsessed with Boxing banned

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    The fight with Chavez was declared a Draw, not a loss.

    That said, he's unquestionably in the top 10, if not top 5. Depends on your criteria, really. Certainly one of the very best we have on film at the weight.
     
    Sweet Pea, Mar 4, 2010
    Sweet Pea, Mar 4, 2010
    #3
  4. Rock0052

    Rock0052 Loyal Member Full Member

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    Should be in everyone's lightweight top 10, which is saying something considering the talent that division's had go through it.
     
    Rock0052, Mar 4, 2010
    Rock0052, Mar 4, 2010
    #4
  5. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    I agree with all your points. I am also aware that the fight was declared a draw and not a loss, but still feel he deserved the nod... I saw the fight live on pay per view back then.
     
    mr. magoo, Mar 4, 2010
    mr. magoo, Mar 4, 2010
    #5
  6. sweet_scientist

    sweet_scientist Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Although he cleaned the division out, his lightweight resume is not all that great (historically speaking).

    But in terms of ability he'd give everyone at the weight all they could handle.
     
    sweet_scientist, Mar 4, 2010
    sweet_scientist, Mar 4, 2010
    #6
  7. burt bienstock

    burt bienstock Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    From the 1940's on I'll mention a few swarmers who would have licked wily Whitaker at lighweight...Here are a few
    Henry Armstrong
    Ike Williams,tall,fast and a murderous puncher when uncuffed
    Beau Jack, a tireless dynamo
    Robert Duran
    Shane Mosely, underated at 135 pounds
    Whitaker could only dodge so much bullets...by great volume punchers...
     
    burt bienstock, Mar 4, 2010
    burt bienstock, Mar 4, 2010
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  8. Minotauro

    Minotauro Boxing Addict Full Member

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    His ability was greater then his resume at the weight. Top ten.
     
    Minotauro, Mar 4, 2010
    Minotauro, Mar 4, 2010
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  9. PowerPuncher

    PowerPuncher Loyal Member Full Member

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    Depends on your juging criteria but hes arguably the very best of the lot
     
    PowerPuncher, Mar 4, 2010
    PowerPuncher, Mar 4, 2010
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  10. bodhi

    bodhi Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I agree with Armstrong as a certain pick. I think Williams, Jack and Duran have a 50/50 chance. Mosley, well, he looked great at lw and very big but his opposition was subpar. I don't think he would be up to the task.
     
    bodhi, Mar 4, 2010
    bodhi, Mar 4, 2010
    #10
  11. PowerPuncher

    PowerPuncher Loyal Member Full Member

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    No they wouldnt, Williams and Mosley especially get the ears boxed off
     
    PowerPuncher, Mar 4, 2010
    PowerPuncher, Mar 4, 2010
    #11
  12. Sweet Pea

    Sweet Pea Obsessed with Boxing banned

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    You think more highly of Willie Joyce than you do Whitaker, Burt?
     
    Sweet Pea, Mar 4, 2010
    Sweet Pea, Mar 4, 2010
    #12
  13. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    Whitaker Mosley at 135...Mosley gets thrashed.
     
    McGrain, Mar 4, 2010
    McGrain, Mar 4, 2010
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  14. lora

    lora Fighting Zapata Full Member

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    Grigorian was as good as Mosley.


    Just sayin...
     
    lora, Mar 4, 2010
    lora, Mar 4, 2010
    #14
  15. sugarsean

    sugarsean Boxing Addict Full Member

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    There's not been a fighter thats ever lived that would of licked Whitaker as you put it, if you want to pick someone to beat that fair enough, but no ones licking him

    greatest Hd 2 Hd lightweight ever in my opinion
     
    sugarsean, Mar 4, 2010
    sugarsean, Mar 4, 2010
    #15
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