I've only seen a couple of Pernell's fights and I was wondering if PBF is anywhere near as good a defensive fighter as Sweet Pea? I hear people talking about Sweet Pea all the time and was just wondering.

I think Whitaker was better..

at his prime i whitaker but mayweather is getting close

Talent alone " Ugly Boy " is probably right up there w/ Whitaker, overall Whitaker eats him, I mean up this point Mayweather hasn't really taken on any fighters that were as good as Whitakers top opposition. Whitaker's unique style is confusing enough on top of that he's a southpaw.

Whitaker in his prime, around 1989, was so good that he could freeze you with feints and footwork, he was incredible. His southpaw jab was tricky as hell, and his head movement would make Mayweather look like David Tua. While Mayweather has the heavier hands, I think Whitaker is heads and feet above Floyd Jr. SO FAR.

Floyd is very good, but in his prime Whitiker was an all time great. The guy would go years without losing a round because his defense and counter punching was so great.

Floyd can be all time great before he retires if he keeps his personal life in check.

Floyd can be all time great before he retires if he keeps his personal life in check.
.... and fights quality opposition.