A draw over fifteen rounds................................ironically without a single punch being landed. Seriously a tough call here. At 135 where Pernell began his career, my first reaction is to give the advantage to Whitaker. Not much size difference between the two. Damn. Going to say slight edge to Pernell based on comfortably making weight and carrying some power here. Problem is that it is tough to land against Pep and Willie is also an excellent counter puncher.
Pep was a natural 126 lber, Whitaker was a natural 135 lber, Whitaker would be too big for Pep. I give Pep the edge p4p tho both are top 10 IMO & amongst the very elite the sport has ever seen, 2 outrageously gifted fighters.
This fight would have nothing to do with size. It would be a defensive fight fought mostly at long range, with some mid-range and up close fighting. I can't see how Whitaker's size would be that much of an advantage. It's not as if he had Duran's strength or power. Whitaker and Pep stood around the same height and the reach is probably close as well. Considering the manner in which both fought, I can't see "size" winning it for Whitaker. This fight would have came down to sheer skill and intelligence, not size.
Pep was perhaps the perfect 126 lbs boxer, but at 135 lbs he doesn't do so well. It would have been a great fight, though. I pick Whitaker by decision.
Forget punch power, Pea is naturally bigger in frame aswell as more comfortable at 135, Pea is perfect at 135, Pep would be carrying extra poundage that would stop him from being at his absolute sharpest best & no fighter in history without a huge size advantage is gonna beat Whitaker if they are less than 100%. In a battle of pure technique & skills, Id bet on Pep vs anyone, Pea included, but in pro boxing we all know everything comes into play. Whitaker won a title at LMWT & was actually the no1 WWT at one point in his career, to do that & not have a bigger frame than Pep would be impossible or close to. :good
I'd think Whitaker would try to close the distance and make it a rough affair for Pep to be honest, seeing as how he was so capable of doing it when he wanted, especially against a smaller opponent. I think Pea would try to get on the inside and put his work in there, though he'd be comfortable on the outside as well.
