Whitaker Decisions Mayweather to Take Title

Hometown favorite Pernell Whitaker defeated champion Roger Mayweather at Norfolk, Va., to win the North American Boxing Federation lightweight title.

Whitaker, an Olympic gold medalist, knocked Mayweather down in the first round and dominated much of the 12-round fight. In perhaps the most impressive showing of his career, Whitaker used his accurate punching to control the fight. Mayweather did record one knockdown, with a booming right in the ninth round.

The judges gave Whitaker the victory by scores of 116-110, 117-111 and 116-112. One judge gave 10 rounds to Whitaker, another gave him nine, and the third gave him eight.

Whitaker, 22, is now 12-0. Mayweather, 26, dropped to 26-5. Whitaker earned $100,000, Mayweather $40,000.