Getting them into the ring required a six-week promotional struggle. Dan Duva represented Whitaker, while Don King handled Nelson’s side. They disagreed over the location and timing before an approaching HBO deadline forced a compromise.
Once the opening bell rang, Nelson encountered a completely different kind of difficulty.
Whitaker controlled the distance with his right jab, quick feet and sharp counters. Nelson pressed behind his crossed-arm guard, trying to bring the fight into punching range, but he rarely found a stationary target.
The harder Nelson chased, the more opportunities Whitaker created. Swee
