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Home · Celebrity

Boxing Champion Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker Dead After Being Struck By Vehicle in Virginia

Whitaker was a legendary four-division champion and Olympic gold-medal winning boxer.
Boxing Champion Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker Dead After Being Struck By Vehicle in Virginia
By Kimberly Wilson · Updated October 23, 2020

The boxing community has lost a real one. 

Legendary four-division champion and Olympic gold-medal winning boxer, Pernell Whitaker died Sunday night after being hit by a vehicle in Virginia Beach, Virginia, according to TMZ. The 55-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

Whitaker, known famously as “Sweet Pea,” boxed for 17 years and held titles at lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight and light middleweight. His claim to fame was defeating Luis Ortiz to win the gold medal for the United States at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. His career started at the early age of 9 and he had an extensive amateur career prior to compiling a stellar professional record of 40-4-1 with 17 knockouts.

Floyd Mayweather called Whitaker “one of the best to ever do it.”

View this post on Instagram

R I P champ, one of the best fighters to ever do it. This photo was taken 7/13/19.

A post shared by Floyd Mayweather (@floydmayweather) on Jul 15, 2019 at 6:44am PDT

“Sweet Pea” was also a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame who helped to name him “Fighter of the Year” by Ring Magazine in 1989. He still holds the longest unified lightweight championship reign with six defenses. Whitaker began training fighters in his retirement, most famously heavyweight title contender Calvin Brock and former undisputed welterweight champion Zab Judah.

Social media is mourning the loss of the champion.

Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker was in the class of Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard as one of the most entertaining fighters in my lifetime. I’m praying for his family during this difficult time. Rest in Peace my friend. 🙏🏾

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 15, 2019

"Sweet Pea" Whitaker was our hometown legend and the greatest of all time. My prayers are with his family and loved ones. #ripsweetpea #VA #757Legend https://t.co/5TM4q4atyu

— Michael Vick (@MichaelVick) July 15, 2019

Rest easy, Sweet pea. 💜

— Gervonta Davis (@Gervontaa) July 15, 2019

Our thoughts are with his friends and family during this time.

TOPICS:  boxing floyd mayweather Olympics pernell whitaker
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