Articles

Spadafora decisions White over eight at Heinz Field

Category: Sports Published on Thursday, 08 October 2009 11:01 Written by Courier Newsroom

by Kenneth W. Ogilvie

Unbeaten former IBF lightweight champion Paul Spadafora (43-0-1) returned to the ring Sept. 30 under the VIP tent at Heinz Field.  The “Pittsburgh Kid” put on a show for his fans and dominated his opponent Jermaine “Too Sweet “ White (17-3) from Las Vegas.

INSIDE ACTION— Former IBF lightweight champion Paul Spadafora and Jermaine White exchange glancing blows during their fight at the VIP tent at Heinz Field.

Spadafora cut White early and sent him packing with a stellar performance in front of a capacity crowd of approximately 1,200. Promoter Mike Acri, along with Miller Lite and major supporter attorney Eric Laurie, looked on and saw Spadafora put on a show against White who has fought against some of the toughest fighters in the world.

White had previously fought Julio Cesar Chavez and Ruben Galvin.

All three judges had it unanimous for Spadafora. Judges George Kachulis and Alexis Pierce scored the fight 78-73. Judge Dana DePaolo had it 79-72.

Referee Rick Steigerwald took a point away from Spadafora for a head butt. Spadafora explained that White was trying this (rough tactics) all night and that he could fight street style with the best of them.

The victory could set up a fight with one of boxing’s best like Ricky Hatton or Marco Antonio Barrera.

The future will tell.

One thing for sure, with trainer Pernell “Sweet  Pea” Whitaker in his corner, Spadafora has become a stronger puncher in his last two fights and well on the way to showing the world he is back.

“We get a champion, we’ll show them how good you look,” Whitaker said to Spadafora.

On the undercard, Welterweight Jesse Lubash (12-0) of Munhall scored a unanimous decision over Jessie Davis (11-15) of Savannah, Tenn., Junior welterweight Rod Salka (9-0) of Elizabeth scored a unanimous decision over Devarise Clayton (6-6-1) of Orlando and Heavyweight Paul Zalus of West Deer (3-0) stopped Ryan St. Germain of Elkhart, Ind by TKO  (2-5).