11-10-1990
The Scope
Norfolk, Va.
A standing room only crowd of over 11,000 packed in to see their hometown hero Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker defend the IBF & WBA Lightweight titles. The undercard featured Roger Mayweather picking up a win over John Meekins and WBC Middleweight champion Herol Graham's thrilling 8th round KO victory over Julian Jackson. No other 3RFC fighters were on the bill...so it's straight to the main event.
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Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker (21-1/12KO) (C)
vs
Dingaan Thobela (22-0-1/15KO)
Thobela came into the fight with a stellar record but no experience against top flight opponents. Whitaker spent most of his free time recently running down Julio Cesar Chavez in interviews, but trainer/manager Jason David Green assured everyone he had a great training camp.
From the opening bell it became apparent that Thobela was severely outclassed by Whitaker. "Sweet Pea" dominated the first 2 rounds, with the challenger barely landing as Whitaker danced and dodged his offense with ease. Whitaker's counter punching was crisp and effective as he built up an early lead on the score cards. In the 3rd, Thobela received a flicker of hope as referee Mills Lane deducted a point from Witaker for leaning on the neck, giving Thobela a 9-9 round!
Any chance of an upset was dashed in the 4th round. Whitaker came out on the offensive and battered the overmatched challenger. A crisp uppercut connected late in the round sent Thobela staggering back into the ropes and Whitaker pounced, unloading a series of sharp punches. A small cut was opened under Thobela's right eye while his left eye was beginning to swell. Finally, with just 0:47 left in the round, Mills Lane jumped and called a halt to slaughter, giving Whitaker an easy 4th round TKO and another title defense.
Winner by 4th round TKO & STILL IBF & WBA Lightweight champion...Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker!
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