DATE: Thursday, March 27, 1997              TAG: 9703270626

SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C4   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY STEVE CARLSON, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   59 lines

WHITAKER VOWS TO SHOW YOUNG RIVAL THE ROPES FIGHT WILL BE ``THE MOST REMARKABLE PERFORMANCE OF A LIFETIME,'' HE SAYS.

Pernell ``Sweetpea'' Whitaker talked Wednesday with reporters from coast to coast in a conference call that went from boast to boast.

Whitaker had nothing but good things to say about himself and his preparation for the April 12 showdown with Oscar De La Hoya, which will net the Virginia Beach fighter a career-high payday of about $7 million. Whitaker, training in Chandler, Ariz., made no secret about his self-confidence: ``This fight I'm going to be immortal, I'm going to be unbelievable.''

Whitaker's career has lacked the big-name opponents that help define greatness. But that won't be a problem at the Thomas & Mack center in Las Vegas, as De La Hoya, 24, is the sport's fastest-rising star. The bout for Whitaker's World Boxing Council title is being billed as the biggest welterweight fight in more than a decade.

``Everybody's tuned in for this,'' Whitaker said. ``This is what brings out the best in Pernell Whitaker.

``I'm back. I'm going to be out there showcasing and I'm going to give it to you, I'm going to give it to you on a golden platter. The whole world will be watching April 12, and I'm going to give them the most remarkable performance of a lifetime.''

Whitaker scoffed at the notion that ``I'm back'' was an acknowledgment that he has been unimpressive in recent outings. Whitaker trailed on all three judges' scorecards before stopping Diobelis Hurtado in the 11th round in January. Three fights ago he eked out a split decision over Wilfredo Rivera. Whitaker was a heavy favorite in both fights.

Now Whitaker (40-1-1) is the underdog. Las Vegas oddsmakers list De La Hoya as a 3-1 favorite. Whitaker believes the national media has puffed up the accomplishments and ability of De La Hoya (23-0).

``It's very gratifying to me that I get the chance to go in and show this young kid what it's all about,'' Whitaker said. ``You (the media) are breast-feeding him. You're doing what mother does for young kid, breast-feeding him, nourishing him, and then daddy gets to go out and show him the real world.''

Whitaker, 33, said his longevity and success - including six world titles in four weight classes - have been based on his athleticism and his ability to focus, avoid hype and avoid getting caught up in ``the street life.''

Whitaker is no longer regarded by most as the world's best fighter, pound-for-pound. Roy Jones Jr. has held the moniker for some time, but Whitaker said Jones' recent loss by disqualification to Montell Griffin shows that he does not deserve to wear the crown.

``After this one, there will be no doubt who's the best fighter,'' Whitaker said. ``We always knew I was the best, but I get to go out and put the period on the end of it now.'' ILLUSTRATION: FIGHT FACTS

Who: Pernell ``Sweetpea'' Whitaker (40-1-1) vs. Oscar De La Hoya

(23-0)

At stake: Whitaker's WBC welterweight title

When: April 12.

Where: Las Vegas

TV: Pay-per-view

Send Suggestions or Comments to webmaster@scholar.lib.vt.edu