Who would have beaten a prime Whitaker?

[generalbulldog]

I think the great thing about Pernell (or should I say 'the thing that defines his greatness') is that absolutely NO fighter (at 135/ 140) beats him 5/5... probably not even 3/3.

He's that good.

I agree at 135 to 140 I really don't see anyone in the 2 division's history can beat prime Whitaker.

At 147 the big welterweights like Leonard and Hearns would be suitable candidates to beat him, but even then I don't see them knocking him out or flat out dominating Whitaker, the guy's defense and boxing skills were too good.

And Tszyu doesn't have smarts or all around ability to beat Whitaker at 140 imo. Knocking out Zab Judah another southpaw and trying to knockout prime Whitaker are entirely 2 different things.

[Mr140]

I don't think that whitaker was to out of prime when Dela Hoya fought him.

[chinchekked]

I don't think that whitaker was to out of prime when Dela Hoya fought him.

Yes he was, unfortunately drugs were beginninng to play a role with his performances around this time. Still was very good but definitely not prime

[donnydarkoIRL]

It seems people see Tszyu as a one dimensional straight forward fighter....
For those with open minds, check this out...

[greynotsoold]

I never thought that Whitaker was strong enough offensively to be considered an all-time great fighter. Much of his defense involved being to far away to hit back or not being in position to counter. Duran beats him, Emile Griffith beats him, Napoles, Luis Rodriguez, possibly Benitez. Buddy McGirt nearly won their first fight, fighting one-handed. Smart guys beat him.
Also, if he had tried a lot of his tricks (squatting to knee level, grabbing the opponent's leg in clinches, etc...) Duran (or Basilio or Zivic or Greb or Walker) would've kicked him in the face.