BoxRec

I would like to know who would win in their prime between "Sweet Pea" Pernell Whitaker and his Olympic teammate Meldrick Taylor at Lightweight and Light Welterweight? For me, Whitaker by 15 round decision in both divisions and what is your opinion?

Pea by wide decision. Too smart.

They once did an article on this in KO Magazine (I believe), called something like 'the best fight you'll never see'. They also went for Whitaker.

In real life they never fought because they had the same trainer and manager in the late Lou Duva? It would have been a good fight back in their day.

The great Pernell Whitaker.

Whitaker 117-110

Taylor was definitely faster, but Whitaker had too many tricks. 116-112.

Why is this even a topic??? ... Chavez beat the crap out of Taylor and couldn't touch Whitaker... So Whitaker wins easy.

However, Floyd Mayweather beats the living crap out of Whitaker.

Yet Taylor might beat Mayweather.

At his best, Taylor would have a serious chance. It would have been very competitive. However, Taylor was never the same after the first Chavez fight. Whitaker would have had no problem with Taylor after that.

Ambling Alp II wrote:At his best, Taylor would have a serious chance. It would have been very competitive. However, Taylor was never the same after the first Chavez fight. Whitaker would have had no problem with Taylor after that.

Yes, his unbelievable speed would keep him innit, giving him a better chance versus Whittaker than most, even if he'd be the underdog. Taylor would've been one of the few to be able to land gloves on a peak Whittaker, even if he probably wouldn't win.

Autobarn wrote:

Ambling Alp II wrote:At his best, Taylor would have a serious chance. It would have been very competitive. However, Taylor was never the same after the first Chavez fight. Whitaker would have had no problem with Taylor after that.

Yes, his unbelievable speed would keep him innit, giving him a better chance versus Whittaker than most, even if he'd be the underdog. Taylor would've been one of the few to be able to land gloves on a peak Whittaker, even if he probably wouldn't win.

That is a good point for your opinion and I respect that.

Nile4000 wrote:Yet Taylor might beat Mayweather.

Taylor would have no chance with Floyd... NONE!! ... He was too easy to hit and Chavez and Norris proved that.. And Whitaker would be a big favorite to beat him and most likely would.. Just too tricky and picks his spots too well -- and Sweet Pea didn't leave himself open like Meldrick did.

Kalan wrote:

Nile4000 wrote:Yet Taylor might beat Mayweather.

Taylor would have no chance with Floyd... NONE!! ... He was too easy to hit and Chavez and Norris proved that.. And Whitaker would be a big favorite to beat him and most likely would.. Just too tricky and picks his spots too well -- and Sweet Pea didn't leave himself open like Meldrick did.

True, but lesser fighters have floored Whitaker, and I could see Meldrick doing that. Both Judah and Mosely had limited sucess against Floyd, and if he fought the right way, Meldrick could surprise even himself.

And everyone else.