Match up of two great defensive fighters. Who would win at 12 & 15 rounds? 140 & possibly at 147 lbs.?
Whitaker by wide UD at 140 whether over 12 or 15 rounds. Whitaker by close UD at 147 over 12, and very close UD or MD over 15. Would be a great fight, I just think Whitaker would be that little bit slicker, have thatr little extra quality, that would see him home.
At 140, as young as Benitez was, he was already very polished, but I'll take Whitaker's workrate to beat him out, his jab and offensive arsenal were just more complete than Wilfred's. At 147 it becomes tougher because Benitez was bigger and more natural at the weight. Whitaker still had the workrate and jab edges, but Benitez's size advantage, equal speed(as he was coming into his own physically), and counter-punching could come into play, as he had a great sense of spacing. Really difficult fights to call these ones, really. I'll say 50/50 at WW, if there's an edge it goes to Whitaker because of the jab, nothing more. Though the argument in Benitez's favor is not off either. At 154 Benitez wins, again bigger and much more natural here. Not much difference with these guys between 12 and 15 IMO.
Wilfred Benitez won't persue Whitaker, He much better likes to fight with his back to the ropes. This would force Whitaker to be the Aggressor, Would Whitaker be comfortable in this roll? Pernell is at his best moving & countering, But IMO he would have to carry the fight to Benitez. Which might put him on uncomforable ground.
Whitaker was very comfortable being the aggressor, he did it quite often. I don't think Benitez would be on the move either, I think this fight would be primarily a chess match in the middle of the ring.
I would favour Benitez at 147lbs the naturally bigger man, more power and I felt he carried the weight better while Pernell looked slightly slower then his lightweight days. At 140lbs its a toss up.
Whitaker for me, if the fight did become a chess match in the centre, i give Whitaker a slight edge, as i think his angles and jab were of a great quality there. Whitaker would set up some offense though, and that would mean Beniitez likely contests the fight close with rapid fire counters. But Pea for me, at 140 and possibly 147, i think Wilfred could take it at 154 as i think Pea would be more flat footed and be outmuscled somewhat there, along with the other stuff that would take place here.
I would be tactical dream match to watch these 2 , btw did Benitez ever go up against a southpaw (Outside of Hamsho)
