BoxRec

Both Pernell Whitaker and Terence Crawford went a similar route - winning championships from 135lbs to 154lbs.

And I just realized Cawford won the same WBA 154lbs belt that Whitaker won against Julio Cesar Vazquez. And by winning it, both became a four-division champ.

And, of course, both didn't find it easy in their light-middleweight debuts. But who performed better in your estimation? Whose win was better?

Different matchup though. Vazquez was a slugger but not much of a boxer. An opponent like Whitaker, who was 31 at the time, was a nightmare opponent for him. Crawford, at almost 37, would have beaten Vazquez by a wide margin as well. Vazquez was closer to the end of his career as a beltholder, while Madrimov might just be getting started

Agreed-spot on analysis.

TCraw completely nullified Madrimov’s jab which was the number 1 key to his victory. Madrimov is absolutely in his prime and a fine boxer puncher, but Vazquez was far more seasoned professionally (more than 50 pro fights) when he fought Sweet Pea in his 11th defense of his WBA belt, which included a UD over Winky Wright (taking Winky’s 0). Vazquez also won the WBA belt later on, losing it in his first defense.

Of course, Bud is nearly 37 and Whitaker was just 31, but Pernell was similarly nearing the twilight of his career, including far worse health issues.

Both good wins but I have to rate Sweet Peas a bit higher due to Madrimov making just his first defense.