
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, May 20, 1990                   TAG: 9005200243
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: From Associated Press reports
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

WHITAKER RETAINS BOTH TITLES

Pernell Whitaker moved and jabbed his way to a unanimous 12-round decision against a relentless Azumah Nelson on Saturday night to retain his lightweight titles against the super featherweight champion.

Whitaker, a native of Norfolk, Va., frustrated the onrushing Nelson with a deadly effective jab, using it to pile up points and win on the scorecards of each of the three ringside judges.

There were no knockdowns and neither fighter appeared hurt in the fight. Whitaker spent most of his time circling backwards and throwing jabs to fend off his challenger's onrushing tactics.

Judge Dalby Shirley had Whitaker winning 116-111, judge Harry Gibbs had it 116-114 and Sid Nathan had Whitaker ahead 115-113. The Associated Press favored Whitaker 117-110.

Whitaker (22-1) defended his World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation lightweight titles for the fourth time, while Nelson (32-2) lost a bid to move up in weight and win his third world title in as many weight classes.

It was the first loss in the last 12 title fights for Nelson, the WBC 130-pound champion, and his first defeat in nearly eight years.

by CNB