Roberto Duran Vs. Pernel Whitaker @ 135lbs

[acb_]

Because no classic forum is complete without this thread.

This matchup always gives me fits and I find myself favoring the guy who I have watched the most of recently. As of late Im favoring Duran´s pressure to take enough rounds for a very close decision.

Lets have it.

[teeto]

So acb, you invite me over here (pretending to be all nice) and then you go and bring up what is imo the hardest h2h match-up of all-time to decide upon a victor. Thanks a lot, you really screwed me over there man!

Haha, just kidding.

Well, i do pick Roberto. But can see Whitaker. Before we get into it, i would like to say that these are the only 2 that i would consider picking over each other at 135. High praise but my opinion.

Sweet Pea, spent a lot of time emplying defensive mastery 'in the pocket', where i believe prime Duran cannot be beaten. Also though, Pernell was so versatile and could really box rings around guys on the outside, which could mean trouble for Duran. A counter argument to that is that Whitaker (no disrespect here, i actually believe his power is underrated) might not have the pop to keep the ever coming Duran off, as Dejesus' style did the first time. Even so, the possibilty of Whitaker boxing rings around Duran is very live and reall. But then again, prime Duran sometimes didnt need to cut the ring off, even though he could, he would simply jump in from distance with one of the most accurate right hands off all-time, which was never telegraphed, what would follow would be hooks from underneath, over the top, everywhere.
Both are master feinters, its either way for me, Sweet Pea's jab is hitting and not being hit at its very best might i add, his angles were maybe the best ever. He could step right in with the right jab and negate any offense coming his way before countering.

I'll pick Duran because I'M A FAN, kidding, i'll pick Duran.

[acb_]

Lol well it had to come up sooner or later.

You make a good arguement for Duran. I´m not sure if Pernel had the power to disuade Duran, but he definently had the accuracy in his jab to bother him long enough to create those angles you spoke about. If he could get that jab working, create angles off the back foot, and work off those angles to employ some body work and let his hands go he could create the space necessary to stay out of Duran´s pocket for sustained periods and really frustrate Duran.

Its Duran´s head movement and ability to slip the jab and work his way in, along with his tenacity that make me think that he gets inside enough to win a decision.

Still not sold either way though, and may never be to be on this one.

[teeto]

Originally Posted by acb_

Lol well it had to come up sooner or later.

You make a good arguement for Duran. I´m not sure if Pernel had the power to disuade Duran, but he definently had the accuracy in his jab to bother him long enough to create those angles you spoke about. If he could get that jab working, create angles off the back foot, and work off those angles to employ some body work and let his hands go he could create the space necessary to stay out of Duran´s pocket for sustained periods and really frustrate Duran.

Its Duran´s head movement and ability to slip the jab and work his way in, along with his tenacity that make me think that he gets inside enough to win a decision.

Still not sold either way though, and may never be to be on this one.

Yeah, i really dont like not being able to make my mind up on a fight, annoying when i cant, this might be one of the only ones i find it so difficult to do so with, its a credit to both of these guys though.

And also, yeah you're right on Duran's head movement on the way in, along with that feinting of his, brilliant how he worked his way in in his prime.

[Sweet Pea]

I've debated this one too much that my brain is too fried to even remember what my points were. But I'll side with Whitaker by close Decision. It could really go either way, a series would likely have split wins.

In a nutshell, I side with Whitaker because his style would throw Duran's game off and make a moving, working target that would play out of his hands and likely frustrate him down the stretch. I've given like 12 paragraph essays on this matchup, but I just can't bring myself to do it again.

[teeto]

I couldnt deal with a 12 paragraph essay on why a guy would beat Duran!

[cardstars]

Personally I would take Whitaker, by close decision or split. I think Whitakers movement would frustrate Duran, who would be missing much more often than usual. Tough call though

[Samurai]

Whitaker UD