Pernell Whitaker (born January 2, 1964) is an American former professional boxer….who competed from 1984 to 2001….and has since worked as a boxing trainer. He is a four-weight world champion….having won titles at lightweight….light welterweight….welterweight….and light middleweight,,,,as the undisputed lightweight title….and the lineal lightweight and welterweight titles. In 1989, Whitaker was named Fighter of the Year by The Ring magazine….and the Boxing Writers Association of America. From 1993 to 1997, The Ring ranked him as the best active pound for pound boxer in the world. He currently holds the longest unified lightweight championship reign in boxing history at 6 title defenses.
Louis “Lou” Duva (May 28, 1922 – March 8, 2017) was a boxing trainer, manager and boxing promoter….who handled nineteen world champions. The Duva family promoted boxing events in over twenty countries on six continents. Lou Duva was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame…. the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame….the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame….and The Meadowlands Sports Hall of Fame. The year 1984 was a highly successful year for Duva and Main Events….as he had Johnny Bumphus….Rocky Lockridge….Livingstone Bramble….and Mike McCallum crowned as world champions….and he signed future world champions Mark Breland….Evander Holyfield….Pernell Whitaker (seen herewith)….Meldrick Taylor….and Tyrell Biggs right after their participation in the Los Angeles Olympics
