The late Pernell Whitaker enjoyed countless high-profile wins during his stellar career in the ring, but likely none better than his victory to match a prior record set by a sport icon.
Avenging the sole professional defeat of his career at that stage with a decision rematch against Jose Luis Ramirez, the late Whitaker would score the IBF, WBC, and The Ring lightweight crowns with his performance against the Mexican.
And adding Ramirez to an already-notable list of wins containing the likes of Roger Mayweather — the uncle of Floyd Mayweather, and Greg Haugen to name a few, Whitaker needed just one more victory to match a prior record set by fellow megastar of the era, Roberto Duran.
Pernell Whitaker’s record-setting first round knockout win
On this day in 1990, Whitaker made history in the ring — and at the lightweight limit, too. Matched up against defending WBA lightweight champion Juan Nazario, Whitaker would need just a single round to make that history.
Putting his own WBC and IBF lightweight crowns on the line against the Puerto Rican, Whitaker — with just a single second remaining in the first frame, felled Nazario with a huge left straight, sending him face-first to the canvas.
And watching on as his opponent failed to beat the referee’s count, Whitaker became the first undisputed lightweight champion since the above-mentioned Duran, who achieved that same feat all the way back in 1979 — eleven years before Whitaker’s success.
Pernell Whitaker’s record run as undisputed kingpin
Having matched Duran’s record set eleven years prior, Whitaker would enjoy his stint as the undisputed lightweight champion for two years.
Making an eventual move to the welterweight limit proper in 1992, Whitaker would defend his status as undisputed lightweight champion on three separate occasions — more than any other champion holding that same billing in that three-belt era.
In a trio of eye-catching unanimous decision wins, Whitaker bested Anthony Jones, as well as Poli Diaz and Jorge Paez during his reign as undisputed champion at lightweight.
Later on in his career, Whitaker would share the ring with the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, as well as Wilfredo Rivera, and Felix Trinidad in high-profile championship offings.