They were both around a while before their fight and were some of the best p4p in the world at the time, why did it take so long to get it on?
Two reasons, basically: 1. Timeline. JCC moved up to 140 right around the time Pernell won a belt at 135. I seriously don’t think it had anything to do with trying to avoid Whitaker but more not being able to comfortably able to make lightweight by that time (1989) and probably his promoter Don King had a new batch of marketable opponents at 140. Pernell moved up from 135 to 140 in 1991 but they only coexisted there for a short time as Sweet Pea basically had a cup of coffee at that weight to claim a belt but didn’t stay around for dessert as he jumped up to 147 in short order (while JCC was still at 140). When they did fight it was at a catchweight of like 142 or 143 iirc. 2. Chavez was promoted by Don King and Pernell by the Duvas. They didn’t play well together so it took until it was enough of a megafight for there to be enough money involved for both promotional parties to put aside their differences.
Agreed Chávez wasn’t trying to evade Whitaker. He was delusional enough to believe he could beat him, & protected enough to receive a draw.
Different weight classes. JC was at Jr. Welter when Whitiker was at LW. Hence, JC fought Mel Taylor first.
They were supposed to fight if Whitaker beat Ramirez in their 1st meeting but as we all know Whitaker lost a highly disputed decision. But as I've said multiple times it was the best thing to happen to Whitaker because he improved alot and learnt from the mistakes he made in Ramirez fight.
