Basically the question rephrased is - does anyone think Chavez was better enough 4 years prior that the fight would have played differently? What would an (accurate) 89 scorecard look like, versus 93?
It would probably look pretty much the same, perhaps a little bit closer. I think the best Chavez could get against Whitaker would be a legit draw. Pernell was just too clever and slippery for a methodical fighter like Julio to outpoint.
I'd tend to agree, though I think the 4 extra years and the fight being at a more natural weight close things up a bit.
I agree. I see Chavez doing better against Pernell mostly because he was quicker on his feet and would be able to close in more frequently. Julio would still get beaten to the punch and lose most exchanges, but the southpaw jab wouldn't be able to freeze and make him have to reset quite as often.
They were BOTH better in 1989, something thats always lost on Chavez apologists Its the same fight, to my eyes
Was going to say the same thing... the biggest difference is that Whitaker adjusted better to higher weights, whereas Chavez clearly hit his ceiling at 140. Anyway, most of the class seems to agree that it's a somewhat closer fight (in reality, not in the pre-filled Texas scorecard sense), but with Whitaker still winning in the end
When they met, it did favour Whitaker. He did adjust better to the higher weight, as has been said, & he also had the benefit of being acclimated to it, while Chavez was moving up, & though undoubtedly still formidable, had seen better days. Put them both at their peak weight, 135lbs, & Chavez was a beast --- Whitaker, a masterclass. In the end, though, Whitaker would've won again.
Was going to post a thread on this but found it here. How do you think a win for either fight affects their lightweight legacies?
Yeah, I have to agree with him too. What do you think a win over Chavez at lightweight would do to Whitaker’s all-time standing in the division?
I agree as well. Sure I could see it being a little closer OBJECTIVELY, but Pea was too smart and too skilled. He’d still be able to make Chavez miss and pay all night with those sharp counters especially when Julio goes to the body. Whitaker via UD.
