
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 02: Floyd Mayweather Jr. reacts after the welterweight unification championship bout on May 2, 2015 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 02: Floyd Mayweather Jr. reacts after the welterweight unification championship bout on May 2, 2015 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Boxing has seen some well-rounded, exhilarating fighters over the years. Some are exuberant strikers, others are avid defensive boxers, whereas few possess both. One of the all-time greats and veterans of the sport, Roy Jones Jr, shared his insight on two of his best defensive boxers in the world, namely Floyd Mayweather and Pernell Whitaker.
‘Captain Hook’ was in a conversation with Club Shay Shay, putting his opinion on the much debatable topic.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Both Shannon Sharpe and Jones drew comparisons between Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather and Pernell Whitaker as to who is the best when it comes to defense.
‘Captain Hook’ said, “The bad part about it is his (Whitaker) defense was better than Floyd’s but Floyd’s offensive power is better than sweet pea’s. So, Floyd hits harder, but sweet pea has the best defense.”
Both Sharpe and Jones admitted that Pernell Whitaker was underrated throughout his prolonged boxing career.
Whitaker was a bigwig in the sport. He had the most embellished boxing career with 40 wins and just 4 losses. His fights usually went the distance and ‘Sweet Pea’ capitalized on the same to secure a bulk of wins. He is one of the most accomplished fighters to come out of America.
‘Sweet Pea’ competed last in a super-welterweight fight against Carlos Bojorquez in 2001. He hung his gloves post that fight, facing a T/KO loss in round 4.
Read – Roy Jones Jr. Shares a Unique Opinion on Floyd Mayweather
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Floyd Mayweather – the modern boxing star
Although ‘Sweet Pea’ has the better defense, Roy Jones Jr. didn’t hesitate to admit on Floyd being the powerful boxer. The undefeated boxer had a career to look upon. He had slick defense skills coupled with a great fight IQ and power. This is predominantly why Floyd tops the charts when it comes to the ‘best ever’ debate.

via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NV – SEPTEMBER 12: Floyd Mayweather Jr. walks in the ring during his WBC/WBA welterweight title fight against Andre Berto at MGM Grand Garden Arena on September 12, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
50 men have tried and failed against ‘Money’ Mayweather. He developed a style difficult to beat. Every bout he took on, he made sure he entered as a favorite. There was a uniqueness in his style which was out of imagination for any fighter. Compiled all his skill sets, it separates him from the rest.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Even at 43 years old, he keeps himself active with grilling training and workouts. Unquestionably, he is an icon of the sport and modern-day boxing.
What do you make of Jones’s remarks on Floyd? Do you think there will be anyone better than ‘Money’ Mayweather?
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT