Best fights of Pernell Whitaker
Over 16 years as a professional, Pernell Whitaker compiled a 40-4-1 (17) record, including 25 title fights across four weight classes. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. Pernell Whitaker defeats Jose Luis Ramirez in their 2nd fight
On August 20, 1989 Pernell Whitaker defended his IBF lightweight title against Jose Luis Ramirez. It was their second meeting. Whitaker was 25 years old with a record of 18-1, and Ramirez was 30 with a record of 102-7. Whitaker was on a 3-fight winning streak and Ramirez was coming off a win. Whitaker won via unanimous decision. Defended the title.
2. Pernell Whitaker draws with Julio César Chávez
On September 10, 1993 Pernell Whitaker defended his WBC welterweight title against Julio César Chávez. Whitaker was 29 years old with a record of 32-1, and Chávez was 31 with a record of 87-0. Whitaker was on a 17-fight winning streak and Chávez was on an undefeated 87-fight winning streak. The fight ended in a majority decision.
3. Pernell Whitaker defeats Roger Mayweather
On March 28, 1987 Pernell Whitaker fought Roger Mayweather for the vacant NABF lightweight title. Whitaker was 23 years old with a record of 11-0, and Mayweather was 25 with a record of 26-4. Whitaker was on an undefeated 11-fight winning streak and Mayweather was on a 3-fight winning streak. Whitaker won via unanimous decision. Won the vacant title.
4. Pernell Whitaker defeats Azumah Nelson
On May 19, 1990 Pernell Whitaker defended his IBF and WBC lightweight titles against Azumah Nelson. Whitaker was 26 years old with a record of 21-1, and Nelson was 31 with a record of 31-1. Whitaker was on a 6-fight winning streak and Nelson was on a 18-fight winning streak. Whitaker won via unanimous decision. Defended the titles.
5. Pernell Whitaker KOs Juan Nazario
On August 11, 1990 Pernell Whitaker met Juan Nazario in an undisputed lightweight title unification fight. Whitaker was 26 years old with a record of 22-1, and Nazario was 26 with a record of 22-2. Whitaker was on a 7-fight winning streak and Nazario was on a 4-fight winning streak. Whitaker stopped Juan Nazario via KO in the 1st round. Retained the undisputed title.
6. Pernell Whitaker defeats Buddy McGirt in their 2nd fight
On October 1, 1994 Pernell Whitaker defended his WBC welterweight title against Buddy McGirt. It was their second meeting. Whitaker was 30 years old with a record of 33-1-1, and McGirt was 30 with a record of 64-3-1. Whitaker was coming off a win and McGirt was on a 5-fight winning streak. Whitaker won via unanimous decision. Defended the title.
7. Pernell Whitaker defeats Buddy McGirt
On March 6, 1993 Pernell Whitaker fought Buddy McGirt for the WBC welterweight title. Whitaker was 29 years old with a record of 31-1, and McGirt was 29 with a record of 59-2-1. Whitaker was on a 16-fight winning streak and McGirt was on a 21-fight winning streak. Whitaker won via unanimous decision. Crowned the new welterweight champion.
8. Pernell Whitaker defeats Andrey Pestryayev
On October 17, 1997 Pernell Whitaker faced Andrey Pestryayev. Whitaker was 33 years old with a record of 40-2-1, and Pestryayev was 0 with a record of 0-0. Whitaker was coming off a loss. Whitaker won via unanimous decision.
9. Pernell Whitaker loses to Oscar De La Hoya via unanimous decision
On April 12, 1997 Pernell Whitaker defended his WBC welterweight title against Oscar De La Hoya. Whitaker was 33 years old with a record of 40-1-1, and Hoya was 24 with a record of 23-0. Whitaker was on a 8-fight winning streak and Hoya was on an undefeated 23-fight winning streak. Whitaker lost via unanimous decision. Lost the title. Went the distance with Hoya.
10. Pernell Whitaker loses to Jose Luis Ramirez via split decision
On March 12, 1988 Pernell Whitaker fought Jose Luis Ramirez for the WBC lightweight title. Whitaker was 24 years old with a record of 15-0, and Ramirez was 29 with a record of 100-6. Whitaker was on an undefeated 15-fight winning streak and Ramirez was on a 10-fight winning streak. Whitaker lost via split decision. Failed to capture the title. Went the distance with Ramirez.