", Yes! He had black eyes and black hair color. Somebody that Ive always loved to watch and wanted to meet so bad and now it will never happen. RIP Sweet Pea. Boxing hall of famer Pernell Whitaker dies at age of 55 in car accident Following the loss to De La Hoya, Whitaker outpointed Andrey Pestriev but tested positive for cocaine, and the result was changed to a no decision. He suffered his first pro defeat when the judges awarded a split decision to Ramirez. "[25] In the seventh round, Whitaker displayed more offense, trading power punches with Trinidad, but the champion retained control of the fight's tempo during the eight, ninth and tenth rounds. As an amateur, Whitaker won a silver medal in the lightweight division at the 1982 World Championships, followed by gold at the 1983 Pan American Games and 1984 Olympics. He was the pound for pound best for half a decade, and one of the 3 greatest pure boxers who ever lived. Whitaker, 50, bought the two-story brick home near the Botanical Garden in Norfolk, Va., for his mother in 1984 when he was still flush from his many wins in the ring. This was a history making fight for Whitaker, as he became only the fourth fighter in history - joining Thomas Hearns, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Roberto Durn - to have won a legitimate world title in four different weight classes. This photo was taken 7/13/19. In his amateur career, he won a silver medal in the lightweight division at the 1982 World Championship. Hes not happy that it was necessary to go to court, his lawyer Bruce Gould told ABC News. But he was a cool guy., Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, 2023 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. #ripsweetpea pic.twitter.com/un90hPmIO6. pic.twitter.com/gqf41jo6IO, This man was one of the greatest boxers ever to lace up gloves, loved watching him growing, defensive savant and as brave as they come. Whitaker was also the trainer for heavyweight Calvin Brock who, as recently as November 2006, fought for the IBF and IBO titles against Wladimir Klitschko, wherein Brock was knocked out in the 7th round. The pro-boxer died at the age of 55 after hitting by a car in Virginia. Pernell Whitaker, an Olympic gold medalist and four division champion who was regarded as one of the greatest defensive fighters ever, has died after being hit by a car in Virginia. Originally a UD win for Whitaker, later ruled an NC after he failed a drug test. No matter what he was going through, Pete had a great heart. He was only 55.SUBSCRIBE -- http:. The judges gave the champion scores of 117111, 118109 and 118109.[25]. Moreover, in 2002, he was convicted of possessing cocaine after the judge found him violating the terms of his previous sentence in the month of March. Pernell Whitaker dead: Boxing legend dies after being hit by car At the end of the fight, the judges' scores were 111-115, 110-116, 110-116. [27] Whitaker's youngest son, Devon Whitaker, told The Virginian-Pilot newspaper that his dad was a "cool guy. A southpaw, Whitaker was known for his outstanding defensive skills and for being a strong counterpuncher. Im praying for his family. Im truly lost for words to hear Pernell Sweet Pea Whitaker is no longer with us. Condolences to his family. 9:54. During his long and successful career I never missed one of his fights. Pernell Whitakerwas born on January 2, 1964, and he is an American professional boxer and four-weight world champion. RIP Sweet Pea. Im praying for his family during this difficult time. "But we said we can ask him, right? Caption: Pernell Whitaker, late American professional boxer. Source: Business Insider. The fight was much closer than what the scorecards showed, and many observers felt that Whitaker won the fight. . Whitaker won titles in the lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight and light middleweight divisions. Pernell Whitaker - This is Boxing - YouTube The driver of the vehicle remained on scene with police.. There's no doubt.". Whitaker lost his first chance at a championship in 1988, but he rebounded the next year to win the International Boxing Federation world lightweight title from Greg Haugen. His fall from grace and solvency involved numerous incidences of drug abuse and a history of arrests and run-ins with police. Due to his financial problems, Whitaker had to file eviction orders against his mother, then 73-year-old, Novella Whitaker. A loss to Carlos Bojorquez in April 2001 was his final match. Name: Pernell Whitaker Alias: Sweet Pea Hometown: Norfolk, Virginia, USA Birthplace: Norfolk, Virginia, USA Died: 2019-07-14 (Age:55) Stance: Southpaw Height: 168cm Reach: 175cm Pro Boxer: Record . Pernell 'Sweat Pea' Whitaker, former boxing champion, dies after being Ryan Garcia took a chance and lost, but boxing is better for it, Gervonta Davis says he's the face of boxing and he's right, Women's boxing divisional rankings: Ryan shakes up welterweight division after impressive win. He then added the vacant WBC & The Ring belts by avenging his loss to Ramirez on August 20. has died. Now a champion, Whitaker proceeded to dominate boxing's middle divisions over the first half of the 1990s. In my Top 2 fave fighters. He also remained active in Norfolk and spoke at city council meetings on behalf of the residents in support of community improvements. After retirement, he also survived a cocaine overdose in 2001. Boxing Legend Pernell 'Sweet Pea' Whitaker Dead At 55, Hit By Car - YouTube [10], Whitaker was gaining momentum and boxing experts and fans felt that he needed to win against the pound for pound best boxer in the world: Julio Csar Chvez. Whitaker stopped his opponent, Farrain Comeaux, on a technical knockout late in the second round. Pernell Whitaker was born in Norfolk, Virginia on January 2, 1964, the son of Raymond Whitaker Sr. and his wife, Novella. In January, 1997, Whitaker put his title on the line against Cuban fighter Diosbelys Hurtado. Boxing legend Pernell Whitaker has died at the age of 55 after being hit by a car in Virginia. Whitaker also had a daughter from a prior relationship, Tiara. Whitaker, defending his WBC championship and the mythical status as the best boxer in the world, pound for pound, succeeded in making De La Hoya look bad through his crafty defense, but he was unable to mount a sufficient offense to convince the judges. The draw let Whitaker hold onto the title, and he won his next eight fights, including one that brought him the World Boxing Association super welterweight title. 10:49 AM PT -- The driver in the crash was NOT arrested -- and law enforcement officials tell us they do NOT believe drugs, alcohol or speed was a factor. Pernell Whitaker's Family: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know (1:45). Though he was not particularly hard puncher still considered as a strong counterpuncher. Local boxing legend Pernell 'Sweet Pea' Whitaker dies in Virginia Beach accident by: WAVY Web Staff, Andy Fox Posted: Jul 14, 2019 / 11:13 PM EDT Updated: Jul 15, 2019 / 11:28 PM EDT VIRGINIA. Read about fighters likeJorge Masvidal,Nate Diaz,Kevin Lee (Fighter),Dave Rienzi. However, their marriage didnt go well and divorced after years. Heres what you need to know about Whitakers family: Getty Pernell Whitaker throws a punch at Wilfredo Rivera in a 1996 match. Pernell married Rovanda Anthony on December 21, 1985 in the boxing ring at the Virginia Beach Pavilion Convention Center. In 2010, Whitaker was inducted into the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame, honoring those who have contributed to sports in southeastern Virginia. Whitaker was a legendary boxer who multiple titles in several different weight classes. He passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2019. He earned money at autograph shows as well. Pernell Whitaker is legally having his mother evicted from a home she's been living in since 1984. Whitaker had been scheduled to fight on a nationally televised card with four other former Olympians Mark Breland, Tyrell Biggs, Meldrick Taylor and Evander Holyfield on that day in the mid-1980s, but the boxing legend had other plans. Known as "Sweet Pea," Whitaker, a southpaw from Norfolk, Virginia, was revered as perhaps the best defensive fighter in history, and his slick moves confounded opponent after opponent. "Everyone at the Hall of Fame joins the boxing community in mourning his passing and offers our condolences to his family.". pic.twitter.com/Zsgqa66FKF, When Pernell Whitaker was world champion from lightweight to light middleweight, he was something special. Hell be a son forever until death do us part, but he is putting a rip through the family, said Whitakers eldest sister, Zelda Brown. De La Hoya also paid tribute to his rival. Its significantly diminished over the years and hes not able to maintain this $400,000 house for his mother and siblings to live in.. However, in his last fight with journeyman Carlos Bojorquezz, he broke his clavicle in fourth round which forced him to retire. [30] In February 2014, Pernell made national headlines after he evicted his mother, Novella Whitaker, out of the house he purchased for her shortly after he turned pro. I could watch hours and hours of him. #RipSweetPea https://t.co/TSzFcf5d5Y, Very sad to hear the news about Pernell Whitaker today. Pernell Whitaker, a longtime pound-for-pound king and one of the greatest boxers in history, was killed Sunday night when he was hit by a car in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Main Events promoter Kathy Duva, whose company promoted Whitaker throughout his career and who remained close to Whitaker after his retirement, mourned his death. Kathy Duva, the chief executive of Main Events, which promoted Whitakers fights, recalled telephone conversations between Whitaker and her husband, Dan, the president of Main Events, who died in 1996. Hall of Fame boxer Whitaker hit by car, dies - ESPN Boxing community reacts to tragic death of Pernell Whitaker Speaking of his persona life, he had married Rovanda Anthony. All rights reserved. Early on, Vasquez was the aggressor, and scored a flash knockdown on Whitaker in the 4th round; but Whitaker settled in & used his accuracy and defense to take over and outpoint Vasquez en route to a unanimous decision win. But Bob Arum, De La Hoya's promoter at that time, decided against it. The couples marriage held in the boxing ring at the Virginia Beach Pavilion Convention Center on 2 January 1964. R I P champ, one of the best fighters to ever do it. I cant really say how Im feeling because Im feeling shocked. #PernellWhitaker pic.twitter.com/IZv3IQOo2f, It was an honor to share the ring with him. Pernell Whitaker was an American professional boxer who had his fights from 1984 to 2001. As great as Whitaker was, many wondered how much greater he could have been without the drug addiction that plagued him throughout his career. ", "That's all I can say about him," he told the newspaper. Whitaker also trained former IBF world champion Paul Spadafora between 2009 and 2010 for 3 fights in which Spadafora won all three. 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. Floyd paid tribute to Pernell on social media saying, "R I P champ, one of the best fighters to ever do it.". Thank you for inspiring me and all the future champions to do the sport that we love. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. In 2002, The Ring ranked Whitaker as the 10th Greatest Fighter of the Last 80 Years. Sweet Pea has two siblings: a brother, Raymond, Jr., and a sister, Monique. Pernell Whitaker, Champion in Four Boxing Classes, Dies at 55 "Pernell Whitaker was beautiful -- both as a fighter and as a human being," HBO, his longtime television home, broadcasting 19 of his fights, said in a statement. Then he later worked as a boxing trainer in his hometown Virginia after his retirement. Whitaker felt like neither his mother or other family members were contributing to the cost of the house, therefore he proceeded with the eviction. Let us scroll over to know more about his personal details. I am saddened to learn of my good friend and Olympic teammate Pernell Whitaker's untimely passing last night.

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