PERNELL WHITAKER-JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ ARE LINKED FOREVER
Los Angeles, CA– Sometimes head to head match ups show who is the better fighter, not always but it can be a good barometer in a future debate. In recent times, ESPN boxing writer Kieren Mulvaney rated the top 50 best boxers of all-time list, a list that was somewhat respectable in the eyes of this writer. What miffed me was his assessment of the careers of Mexican legend Julio Ceasar Chavez (107-6-2, 86 KOs) who he had generously at #24, and his nemesis, Pernell Whitaker (40-4-1, 17 KOs)
Bogus Draw Hurt Whitaker
who gave him a boxing lesson in a 1993 battle for Whitaker’s WBC welterweight (147 lb.) title, a fight in which Chavez escaped with a draw at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX, was #44 on Mulvaney’s list. Apparently Chavez’s “in-your-face style” and popularity has a lot to do with his perceived greatness. In my opinion however he was vastly overrated, especially when you analyze their careers and look at common opponents.
CHAVEZ HAD A LOT OF WINS BUT AGAINST WHOM?
Chavez’s best wins come against some solid fighters of his day. Everyone knows of his stunning come from behind TKO of Meldrick Taylor with seconds remaining of round 12. He also stopped Roger Mayweather twice, defeated Jose Luis Ramirez, Hector Camacho, Greg Haugen, and Edwin Rosario. No Hall of Fame level fighters of that bunch, but good quality foes nonetheless.
WHITAKER ON WRONG END OF A FEW DECISIONS
It’s obvious that Chavez’s lofty record which tallies over 100 wins and the fact that his first loss didn’t occur until his 90th bout puts him on a pedestal. However Whitaker, a 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist battled for a world title in just his 16th pro bout. He was handed a dubious split decision loss to WBC lightweight (135) champion Jose Luis Ramirez (100-6 at the time) of Mexico. It was a decision that was so egregious that co-trainer Lou Duva thought “the fix was in”, as Ramirez and Chavez had already agreed to a unification bout. Chavez won the fight with Ramirez, and Whitaker won his rematch the following year. It wasn’t until Pernell won the WBC welterweight crown almost four years later did he challenge Chavez in his second title defense. The American kept his title, however most ringside observers and even the majority of Mexican fans who were part of the 56,891 in attendance at the Alamodome thought he got the shaft on the scorecards which were 115-113 in favor of Whitaker, with the other two judges scoring the bout 115-115 making it a majority draw. He lost his welterweight championship almost four years later to an undefeated Oscar De La Hoya, in a bout that is is still debated today. Many ringside, as well as spectators believe Whitaker was the victim of the corruption that happens all too often in this sport.
PERNELL FOUGHT & DEFEATED AN EQUAL OR BETTER CROP THAN JULIO
Just a list of those victims include, James “Buddy” McGirt, Hall of Famer, Azumah Nelson, Jorge Paez, Julio Ceasar Vasquez at 154, Greg Haugen, Wilfredo Rivera and the aforementioned Ramirez. One has to wonder how much his legacy would have been enhanced if he was given the decision against De La Hoya, Chavez and Ramirez the first time around. Wins over all three would have put him at 43-0, with victories over three Hall of Famers in his career.
Kevin Perry
WHO IS BETTER HISTORICALLY, CHAVEZ OR WHITAKER?
CHAVEZ
WHITAKER