How does Leonard vs Whitaker go?

[$tate of Mind]

I'll give this to Leonard, his size, speed and combination punching will win it for him. While Whitaker is an underrated puncher, he doesn't really have the power to phase Leonard.

I agree Leonard has the physical advantages, while Whitaker has the technical advantages.

[$tate of Mind]

147 was not Whitaker's best division and I think Leonard had the handspeed to land on Sweet Pea when he started using his upper body movement...plus Leonard was a huge welter weight, he would've hurt Sweet Pea IMO

Nice sig.......

[RubenSonny]

50/50 for me it could go either way if they had a series they'd win some and lose some.

[EMACULATE]

147 was not Whitaker's best division and I think Leonard had the handspeed to land on Sweet Pea when he started using his upper body movement...plus Leonard was a huge welter weight, he would've hurt Sweet Pea IMO

IMHO the most under-rated boxer in history is Pernell whitaker. His defense was amazing and even at the end of his career when he fought the young and hungry Trinidad. He didnt get knocked out with a broken jaw. To say he has no real power is a lie because he put so many guys on there rear ends like Trinidad, Mayweather (Roger) and numerous other watch the highlights. In his prime I dont believe that ive seen a better boer who followed his game plan and could adapt better and truly frustrate an opponent like pernell. Pernell IMO is in the top five greatest fighters of all time. Lefty, Defense, great jab, could fight off the back foot or come forward, great counter puncher, vision was impeccable, his angles were sick because he not only went side to side but his ability to be right in front of you and sink almost to the mat with you not being able to touch him is remarkable.

The best compliment I can pay to Pernell is if I were building my perfect fighter I would take everything that he had naturally and call it a day because punchers had no chance against him and slick boxers were out slicked. He was robbed versus Delahoya and Chavez clearly because of his numerous years of superiority. HBO couldnt stand it and the commentators hated it. For some reason they rate Chavez higher on the all time list but there foolish IMO.

[Thread Stealer]

BTW- Footwork


since you mentioned that Hearns-Leonard was one of your favorite fights, here's a little tidbit for your noobie ass;


Hearns thought Leonard was on steroids too...probably because of his amazing handspeed and endurance and ASKED Ray to take a test


Ray told him to go **** himself and they fought anyways and provided one of this sports classics


too bad Floyd went on vacation...this era could have had their own version of a superfight

The steroid accusations had less to do with Leonard's speed and endurance and more with his change in physique. Leonard had been fast with great stamina for years. In fact, he'd been slowing down in these areas when Steward and Hearns started saying Ray was a roider. The accusations came right before their rematch in 1989, not before their first fight. Leonard's body had looked considerably bigger in the Lalonde fight and there was some su****ion about him. Steward & Hearns wanted Ray to take a drug test, and Ray say he would. The NSAC apparently thought things like weed was worth testing for, but not steroids.

[Thread Stealer]

Leonard should win an ugly fight. Whitaker wasn't quite the same fighter at WW as he was at 135 (and even 140), but would still give most fighters at WW problems. Leonard has the edges in size, speed, and power. I wouldn't look at the Hagler fight for comparisons of how Ray would fight this southpaw, as I don't think Whitaker would fight Ray the same way a plodding, 1987 Hagler fought him. Plus I doubt Ray would fight in that fleet-footed manner as he fought Hagler. He'd fight in his traditional more flat-footed stance. Whitaker would fight more in the pocket, using lateral movement, hoping to frustrate Ray and make him pay with counters. It'd work to at extent, but not enough to win.

Leonard UD

[Buffalo]

Sweet pea would make leonard miss like never before. What a matchup that would be. Pernell could out point leonard in a perfect fight but I think leonard's size and strength advantage would carry the day.......On skill alone whitaker.

[starkiller]

Leonard goes into retirement for 3 years and waits for other opponents to give Whitaker punishment. Leonard comes out of retirement to win a close decision win over Whitaker.

[Heavy Bag]

I'd take Leonard here. Whitaker although still a world class operator, wasn't at his best at 147lb, were it was Leonard's prime weight.

Whitaker may be able to cause Ray problems and have his moments, but Ray's offence, size, & strength would have him walk away with the W.