In boxing, more than any other sport, its not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game. So those who win by KO will be considered better than those who win on points. If boxing is a metaphor for war, the KO represents the ultimate surrender.

Winning ugly (not that Pernell did this) is more detrimental to a boxer than it is to any other athlete. A defense first fighter, especially one who grabs and holds, will rarely be considered great even if he wins a lot.

As for Pernell, he was a virtuoso defensive boxer. At his best he was very entertaining to watch, could make opponents miss while standing right in front of them, and was arguably the premier fighter of his time, especially after his performance against Chavez.

But he does need to be demoted because of his lack power.