Whitaker and Mayweather,birds of a feather?

Question

To what extent did Floyd emulate the Pernell Whitaker, their styles and even personalities are almost identical,if I didn't know better Id swear Pernell was Floyd's real dad,?

Answer 1

I don't see it.  Pernell was a southpaw who would make you miss by slipping and countering you while using lateral movement to box you silly.  Floyd is a conventional fighter who uses his hand speed and foot speed to pot shot and run.  There is a very distinct and glaring style difference between these two guys.  Floyd is a slugger who chooses not to slug, if he wanted to he would be known as a power puncher with one punch KO power.  Pernell wasn't a heavy hitter at all, he always had to wear down opponents with combinations and never really had one punch KO power.  

Your answer is no, they were distinctly different types of boxers.

Answer 2

The similarity is obviously that they are both excellent technicians, both have mastered their own style - but their styles are very different.

Both are excellent defensively, but I wouldn't say that Whitaker is as "defensive" a fighter as Mayweather - Floyd uses his legs much more, and always appears just ready to back out of range; Whitaker used more angles, and trunk movement, he was one of the rare boxers who would counter-punch moving forward.

While Mayweather may have the potential to hit harder, I actually think Whitaker made guys pay more with his shots - they were rarely slaps or shots aimed to just make the other guy think.

At the end of the day Mayweather is a great fighter, but when it is all said and done I believe Pernell Whitaker will rank in the top 5-10 of all-time; he was one of the only guys who was truly willing to fight anyone, anywhere, at any weight.

Answer 3

Thats true, but at least Whitaker doesnt run like mayweather... thats how you knew they weren't related....