Pernell Whitaker vs. Shane Mosley @ Lightweight.

[mikeeod]

I respect all opinions on this forum (for the most part!), but I think this is a fascinating match up. Pernell is one of my favorite fighters of all time and trades out with Duran in my ranking of top lightweights ever. That being said, Shane was HUGE for that weight, was a very good boxer, and had the speed and style that would give Pea fits (think of the issues Pernell had fighting cuties like Pendelton and Hurtado).

Prime vs. Prime I feel that Pernell had that little bit extra that would help him adjust and pull the win out in the end, but Shane's speed and strength would give him trouble and make the fight uncomfortable the whole way. Buddy McGirt gave Pernell a great fight the first time around, and I feel that Shane is as good of a boxer as Buddy was but much more gifted in speed, power and athleticism. I don't see Shane having the consistency or focus to win the majority of the rounds, but I see him pushing Pernell and forcing him to reach that "final/great" level to pull out the win.

You have stated some welterweight fights where Whitaker had trouble but as lightweight he was flawless.

The Pendelton fight was at lightweight. Pea was a very dominant champ at 135, but I don't think he ever faced anyone like Shane (and vice a versa). Shane was the much larger man with a distinct advantage physically who was versatile enough to give Pea a rough time.