welterweights: Sugar Ray Leonard vs Pernell Whitaker

[elmersalsa]

Hello folks!!!

I got another great matchup between 2 of the most intelligent and smartest fighters of the past 25 years. Even though Leonard was one of my favorites, I wouldn't be surprised if "Sweet Pea" wins. I go with Whitaker on this one by decision.

[elmersalsa]

Hello again!!!

How about this great matchup???: One dominated the division with a hell of a punch making 14 defenses (Bob Foster) but couldn't take a lick, specially from the heavyweights. The other (Saad Muhammad) was brute and strong and well-conditioned but lacked the boxing skills of Foster and had a decent punch but not like Foster's. He ha a better chin than Foster.

I think Foster wouldn't be able to knock Saad Muhammad out and lose by a 12th round TKO.

[SUGARRAYSMELEE]

Very, very tough to call.

I could see it going either way, however, I tend to think Leonard would win more often than not because he has more power, quicker hands, and is always moving.

[Diamond WEAPON]

Leonard wins this shit easy. Whitaker made his bones entirely off of being faster than his opponents. Leonard would be on top of him all night as he's taller, rangier, and has faster hands. Pernell's only hope would be too act like a boppo-clown and "dodge" all of Leonard's shots that would nonetheless scuff up his face and have him lose a wide decision.

[dempseyfire]

Leonard by clear decision. Whitaker beating Chavez at 147 is one thing . . beating an ATG prime welter like Leonard with speed and power is completly another. The only thing Whitaker would succeed in would be making it boring to watch.

Foster vs Saad is a little more interesting, but I still have to favor Foster who if he didn't KO him could still win via the long jab and quicker counters. Foster is definitely a league above Lopez and Johnson.

[llabwons]

Whilst Whitaker had the tools to potentially beat any lightweight in history and a fair few ATG welters, no way he beat's Leonard. Leonard was just as fast, but with KO power.

Leonard by either late KO or more likely UD.

[Idisagree]

At Welter Whitaker was good but I think he was not the same fighter. At 135 he was much, much better. Leonard should win this one by Decision.

[King Carlos]

Leonard wins this shit easy. Whitaker made his bones entirely off of being faster than his opponents. Leonard would be on top of him all night as he's taller, rangier, and has faster hands. Pernell's only hope would be too act like a boppo-clown and "dodge" all of Leonard's shots that would nonetheless scuff up his face and have him lose a wide decision.

The bolded bit is absurd, but I agree with the consensus. Leonard was just the better, more physically imposing Welterweight. There's no way I can see Whitaker winning this one. No natural Lightweight outside of Duran (who had the correct style to do so, Whitaker does not) is beating Leonard.

[Ezzard]

Leonard wins this shit easy. Whitaker made his bones entirely off of being faster than his opponents. Leonard would be on top of him all night as he's taller, rangier, and has faster hands. Pernell's only hope would be too act like a boppo-clown and "dodge" all of Leonard's shots that would nonetheless scuff up his face and have him lose a wide decision.

The bolded bit is absurd, but I agree with the consensus. Leonard was just the better, more physically imposing Welterweight. There's no way I can see Whitaker winning this one. No natural Lightweight outside of Duran (who had the correct style to do so, Whitaker does not) is beating Leonard.

Carlos, would you give Armstrong a chance with Leonard?