Revisiting Sweet Pea’s Masterclass: Pernell Whitaker Dominates Azumah Nelson in Title Defence

On Saturday, May 19, 1990, at Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, one of the greatest defensive boxers in history, Pernell Whitaker successfully defended his WBC and IBF lightweight titles against the dangerous Ghanaian Azumah Nelson, winning by unanimous decision, with the judges scorecards reading 116-111, 115-113 and 116-114.

Pernell Whitaker Defeats Azumah Nelson by Unanimous Decision

Pernell Whitaker vs. Azumah Nelson Recap

Throughout his career, the defensive sublimeness of Whitaker was present as he frustrated many great fighters, making himself one of the most accomplished defensive fighters in history. “Sweet Pea” was a puzzle many struggled to solve, and on May 19, 1990, Nelson was the latest to find out how hard it is to beat someone you simply can’t hit. It was a humbling defeat for Nelson, who was often made to miss by the smallest of margins, showing how defensively astute his opponent was.

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Nelson found it impossible to have sustained success, as “Sweet Pea” bossed every round, making his opponent miss while countering impressively. Nelson tried to change the course of the bout, but due to the slickness of Whitaker, he often looked reckless – rushing in and missing. There was single-shot success for the Ghanaian, but these successes were minimal and fleeting.

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A point deduction in the final round, due to Whitaker lifting Nelson’s leg and tapping him on the back of the head, could not hide the gap between these two fighters. The scorecards made it look closer, but “Sweet Pea” was a level above Nelson.

Hear Dan Rafael and T.J. Rives talk more nostalgia on Whitaker-Nelson off the “Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast” by clicking here,

Career Highlights

Aside from the impressive performance against Nelson, he comprehensively defeated Jose Luis Ramirez in their rematch. Another rematch against Buddy McGirt saw Whitaker win more decisively, which was reflected on the scorecards. “Sweet Pea” also seemingly outboxed Mexican legend Julio César Chávez, but two judges inexplicably scored the bout 115-115.

Whitaker was a defensive master who dazzled spectators and opponents with his slickness. “Sweet Pea” sadly passed away on July 14, 2019, after being struck by a vehicle while crossing the street in Virginia Beach.