Spadafora Picks Boxing Legend Whitaker For New Trainer

Promoter Michael Acri announced today that four-division world champion and Hall of Fame inductee Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker is the new chief trainer for undefeated former IBF lightweight champion Paul “The Pittsburgh Kid” Spadafora as he prepares for his Wednesday, June 24 homecoming at Pittsburgh’s Amphitheatre at Station Square.

Spadafora (41-0-1), will rumble with Ivan Bustos (27-12-3), of Buenos Aires, Argentina, in a 10-round junior welterweight bout. The all-action show will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Whitaker (40-4-1, 17 KOs), and a 1984 Olympic gold medalist, captured world titles in the lightweight, junior welterweight, welterweight and junior middleweight divisions during a professional career that spanned 17 years.

Named Fighter of the Year in 1989 and widely considered boxing’s best pound for pound fighter during his championship reign, Whitaker was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2008.

“I’m looking forward to working with Paul and I know I can add to his game,” said Whitaker.

“Pernell was one of my idols growing up and I know we are going to make a good team,” added Spadafora.

The undercard will feature two Pittsburgh favorites, undefeated lightweight “Lightning” Rod Salka (7-0, 2 KOs), and welterweight Jose “The Prince” Caraballo (5-3, 1 KO), the professional debut of heavyweight Tommy Poe, from Wheeling, WV, and additional bouts.

Remaining tickets, priced at $103.00 (Ringside), $53.00 (Reserved) and $23.00 (General Admission), can be purchased at the Amphitheatre’s box office, all Ticketmaster locations, www.ticketmaster.com, Blue Eagle Sports (726 Broadway Ave., McKees Rocks, Penn. – 412-331-4884) or charge by phone at 800-745-3000. For additional ticket Information, call 814-455-8309.