THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, February 9, 1996 TAG: 9602090610
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY STEVE CARLSON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 73 lines
It was back to business Thursday for the Duva family as they began pumping up the March 5 boxing card at Scope involving a Pernell ``Sweetpea'' Whitaker exhibition and a pair of title fights.
Last Friday, the man who founded that business was buried after a bout with cancer. Six-time world champion Whitaker said promoter Dan Duva, who was 44, was instrumental to his success.
``He was my whole career,'' Whitaker said following a press conference at Scope. ``He gave me an opportunity, he stuck with me and stood beside me inside and outside the ring. He was my leader.
``He was a good man. It's unfortunate for him to have to go so young. He's going to be missed for a long time.''
After he first became sick about a year and a half ago, Dan installed his brother Dino, 37, as president of Main Events.
``He built Main Events and was the heart of our family,'' Dino said Thursday. ``Now I'm in a position where I feel confident running things. Danny built a machine that will go on without him around.''
SO LONG: Duva said the card at Scope was requested by Whitaker, a Virginia Beach resident, as his last hurrah before Hampton Roads fans.
Duva said economics will dictate that the remainder of Whitaker's world title fights probably will be held at casinos, where more revenue can be generated.
``I want to say farewell, and this is the perfect time to do it because it's a fight that will not be judged,'' Whitaker said. ``It's going to be emotional.''
Duva said neither Whitaker nor Main Events will make a dime off the March 5 promotion. The Virginian-Pilot Joy Fund will be the primary beneficiary, while the Diabetes Foundation also will receive a donation. Duva said the total contribution to charities will depend on the gate, but is hopeful a minimum of $20,000 above costs will be raised.
Tickets are $5 to $25 and can be purchased through the Scope box office, Wareing's Gym in Virginia Beach or by calling 671-8100.
GERALDO WATCH: Whitaker's sparring partner or partners for the exhibition will be announced later. Duva said television personality Geraldo Rivera, previously mentioned as Whitaker's opponent, may be unavailable because of a scheduling conflict.
``I don't know who it's going to be,'' Whitaker said, ``but I can assure you when I put my hands on him, it's going to hurt.''
STEPPING STONES: The co-feature 12-round bouts on USA Network involve four fighters jockeying for position to get a world title shot.
Raul Marquez (22-0, 16 knockouts), a 1992 Olympic bronze medalist and stable-mate of Whitaker's, will fight Darrin Morris (24-2-1, 15 KOs) for the vacant United States Boxing Association junior middleweight title. Marquez is ranked No. 2 in the world by the International Boxing Federation at 154 pounds, Morris is No. 4.
``This is the first step toward fighting for world titles,'' Duva said.
``It's a pretty legitimate belt,'' Marquez said. ``Most people who become world champions have been either an NABF or USBA champion.''
The North American Boxing Federation junior middleweight belt will also be on the line March 5 when title holder Winky Wright (33-1, 21 KOs) defends against Andrew Council (25-3-3, 17 KOs).
NEXT UP: Whitaker has a scheduled welterweight title defense against World Boxing Council top-ranked welterweight contender Wilfredo Rivera April 12 on HBO, with the site yet to be determined. St. Martin in the Virgin Islands is a possibility, Duva said.
After that, Whitaker could meet World Boxing Association welterweight champ Ike Quartey, or possibly the winner of the scheduled June 7 bout between Julio Cesar Chavez and Oscar De La Hoya. According to the Duvas, Chavez is attempting to break free from promoter Don King, which, if successful, could help create a rematch of the 1993 Whitaker-Chavez bout. by CNB