But since we cant seem to keep Pete out of the boxing ring, I guess this is the best place.. Since then, Whitaker went through financial struggles as his career transitioned from professional fighter to boxing trainer. "He would smile at you and demonstrate to you, while smiling, how remarkably easy this was for him.". He was a four-weight world champion, having won titles at lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight, and light middleweight; the undisputed lightweight title; and the lineal lightweight and welterweight titles. We're told the case will be kicked over to prosecutors to evaluate but it's unlikely the driver will be hit with criminal charges. "He could stand in front of you and you couldn't find him," HBO boxing announcerJim Lampleytold Richard Sandomir of theNew York Timeson Monday. It was a blowout, a shutout. Boxing hall of famer Pernell Whitaker dies at age of 55 in car accident but no information regarding it. Though he is not in this world anymore, he has a fan page account on different social media platforms. [25] Later in the fight, both boxers fell to the canvas in what were ruled as "accidental slips. We are deeply saddened with this new; May the legend rest in eternal peace. 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. He was born on 2 January 1964, in Norfolk, Virginia. [4] In 1989, Whitaker was named Fighter of the Year by The Ring magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America. [25] In the last round, Whitaker, with a badly swollen right eye, displayed a purely defensive stance, avoiding his opponent throughout the round while Trinidad continued on the offensive until the fight concluded. Whitaker appeared to win handily, but while one judge scored the fight 115-113 for Whitaker, two others scored it 115-115, resulting in a majority draw that remains perhaps the most controversial decision in boxing history. His main source of income was from boxing as well as from his endorsements and advertisements. "From Olympic gold to world championships in four weight divisions, Pernell Whitaker was one of the greatest boxers to ever lace up a pair of gloves," Hall of Fame executive director Edward Brophy said. Glad I got to sit next to him at the Ward v Kovalev fight in Las Vegas. His son Pernell Jr. died in 2015. We have just received the sad news informing us that Pernell Whitaker has passed. [22][23] Whitaker was suspended for six months, but the commission lifted the suspension after he agreed to random testing and his title bout with Quartey was to proceed as scheduled, however, the bout was cancelled after Whitaker tested positive for a second time. Whitaker was awarded an official knockdown in the 9th round and, according to CompuBox stats, outlanded De La Hoya in overall punches and connect percentage, using the jab as his primary weapon; but De La Hoya threw and landed almost twice as many power punches and had a slightly higher power punch connect percentage than Whitaker and showed more agression in the fight, which may have been the key factors in De La Hoya winning by a disputed unanimous decision. We share so many great memories. He was not a particularly hard puncher or knockout artist, but applied a consistent offense while being extremely elusive and difficult for his opponents to hit with a solid punch. "I can't really say how I'm feeling because I'm feeling shocked. He fought everyone from Oscar De La Hoya to Julio Cesar Chavez -- and even though he lost to Oscar and Julio was a draw many people believe he was ROBBED in both decisions because he clearly won the fights. . July 15, 2019 Pernell Whitaker, a left-handed defensive master in the boxing ring who won a gold medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics and became a champion in four weight classes as a. 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. Outside the Virginia court, he said the ruling in his favor a beautiful moment. mourned his death. It was the first of Whitakers 15 consecutive victories through 1988, a pace that was slowed temporarily by an injury that kept him from fighting on a card at the Pavilion Convention Center in Virginia Beach in December 1985. But Bob Arum, De La Hoya's promoter at that time, decided against it. He was 55. To me, he was one of the top five greatest boxers ever! Thats all I can say about him, he told the Virginian Pilot newspaper. To help promote the event, Main Events went to Whitaker, who was popular in the region, with the idea of having him and Anthony wed in the ring in front of the crowd after the show. #PernellWhitaker pic.twitter.com/IZv3IQOo2f, It was an honor to share the ring with him. Pernell Whitaker obituary | Boxing | The Guardian He retired after being stopped, his shoulder injured, in the fourth round of a fight against Carlos Bojorquez in 2001. Whitaker was recognized by boxing publication Ring Magazine as Fighter of the Year in 1989 and was ranked as one of the top ten boxers in the past 80 years by the publication. Hall of Fame boxer Whitaker hit by car, dies - ESPN #GoneButNeverForgotten, Rest in eternal peace Pernell Sweet Pea Whitaker - IMO the greatest defensive fighter of all time pic.twitter.com/55KnItMmSq, Oh no, no, no Sweet Pea was one of the greatest fighters to ever lace up gloves. Teofimo Lopez wants to leave a Muhammad Ali-like legacy, Pain, hope, science collide as athletes turn to magic mushrooms, How a gym in California's Coachella Valley became an international destination for boxing. According to ABC News, the home was a two-story brick house near the Botanical Garden in Norfolk. In addition, he also fathered a daughter Tiara Whitaker from his past relationship. Im still trying to process everything thats going on. Speaking of his persona life, he had married Rovanda Anthony. However, he chose to move back to welterweight.[14][15]. Whitaker had been going head to head against the matriarch of his seven-child family since last fall when he began eviction proceedings after unsuccessfully trying to convince his mother to move, his lawyer, Bruce Gould told ABC News. 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. He passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2019. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. I could watch hours and hours of him. Whitaker, who won gold medals at the 1983 Pan American Games and the 1984 Olympics, turned pro in 1984 and went on to cement himself as an American boxing legend. Before his professional career, Whitaker won a gold medal in the lightweight division at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. On my NY public access TV show "Max on Boxing" (1989-1998), I talked Pernell Whitaker more than any other fighter; it was basically the Pernell Whitaker show. Pernell Whitaker's death is reminder of tragic anniversary - New York Post This is insanely sad. 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. We ended up paying for the wedding and had the reception after the show at the fight hotel.". 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. Pernell graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1982 and later received an honorary Bachelor's degree from Norfolk State University. Anyone can read what you share. Sweet Pea has two siblings: a brother, Raymond, Jr., and a sister, Monique. The two met in a welterweight superfight simply named "The Fight"[11] on September 10, 1993 in San Antonio, Texas. His last fight came on April 27, 2001, against journeyman Carlos Bojorquez. Former boxing champion Pernell Whitaker has died after he was hit by a car in Virginia. This was a highly controversial decision (considered one of the worst ever by many analysts), as most boxing observers felt that Whitaker easily won.[6][7][8]. Loved him. On my NY public access TV show Max on Boxing (1989-1998), I talked Pernell Whitaker more than any other fighter; it was basically the Pernell Whitaker show. In terms of his defense and ring generalship, Pernell Whitaker was the best fighter that I ever fought. He was born as the son to parents Raymond Whitaker Sr. and his wife, Novella Whitaker. Additionally, he has gained his nickname as Sweet Pea. Boxing legend Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker dies in Virginia Beach accident WAVY TV 10 66K views 3 years ago EXCLUSIVE Pernell Whitaker: I'M The GREATEST Defensive Fighter EVER!! This photo was taken 7/13/19. 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. "I loved Pernell Whitaker, and he loved me -- there was no doubt . Former boxing champion Pernell Whitaker has died after he was hit by a car in . Thank you for inspiring me and all the future champions to do the sport that we love. [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. . Boxing community reacts to tragic death of Pernell Whitaker, Pernell Whitaker diedafter being struck by a vehicle. In 2014, a Norfolk General District Court judge ruled in Whitakers favor, forcing his mother and siblings out of the house by the end of March of the same year. His pro career began in 1984 and spanned all the way through 2001, with an amazing 40-4-1 record including 17 knockouts. Pernell Whitaker Bio, Family, Career, Net Worth, Wife, Death In addition, he won a gold medal at the 1984 Olympics and 1983 Pan American Games. Boxing legend Pernell Whitaker has died at the age of 55 after being hit by a car in Virginia. Whitaker was a legendary boxer who multiple titles in several different weight classes. Pernell's lawyers said that he is not making the same kind of money as a trainer that he was as a boxer, and needed to sell off the home to satisfy the tax debt owed in order to prevent the property from being seized and put into foreclosure. By David K. Li. Waking up to this news just has me GUTTED. Two fights later, Whitaker avenged the draw against Ramirez by winning a unanimous decision to retain the title. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? He was born on 2 January 1964, in Norfolk, Virginia. Boxing Hall of Famer Pernell Whitaker dies in auto accident - Yahoo Sports The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced that it would fly its flags at half-staff in Whitaker's memory. In the following rounds, both boxers used their jabs most of the time, with Trinidad gaining an advantage when Whitaker attempted to attack inside, eventually scoring a knockdown in round two. After the fights, we dropped the ropes, and they got married in the ring. Longtime friend, Olympic teammate and former heavyweight world champion Evander Holyfield tweeted: I am saddened to learn of my good friend and Olympic teammate Pernell Whitaker's untimely passing last night. Pernell's passing is a great loss. Ring Magazine named him the Fight of the Year in 1989. February 27, 2014. RIP Sweet Pea. But he still showed up at the arena to marry his fiance, Rovanda Anthony, in the ring after the evenings last fight. Pernell 'Sweat Pea' Whitaker, former boxing champion, dies after being A planned fight in 1998 against Ike Quartey, then the W.B.A. No matter what he was going through, Pete had a great heart. #RipSweetPea https://t.co/TSzFcf5d5Y, Very sad to hear the news about Pernell Whitaker today.RIP Champ. He retired in 2001 after three defeats in his final four fights with but he was in his prime in the 80s and 90s. During his lightweight title reign, Whitaker defeated fellow future Hall of Famer Azumah Nelson by clear decision and stopped Juan Nazario by rare first-round knockout to become the undisputed champion. Boxing legend Pernell Whitaker was killed Sunday night after he was hit by a car in Virginia Beach, TMZ Sports has learned. He was the pound for pound best for half a decade, and one of the 3 greatest pure boxers who ever lived. The fight secured Whitaker the WBC, IBF and WBA lightweight titles. Pernell 'Sweet Pea' Whitaker's Death Accidental; Suffered Blunt Force R I P champ, one of the best fighters to ever do it. They offered contrasting styles: Whitaker was mobile and slippery, Chavez an aggressive attacker. What happens when a boxer kills his opponent? Pernell Whitaker Car Crash Death Video - YouTube His. Whitaker finished his career with a record of 40 wins, four losses and that one draw. A grandson of Mrs. Whitaker, former NFL player Ronyell Whitaker, has also come forward to offer his assistance to his grandmother and make sure she is cared for. Pernell Whitaker, Champion in Four Boxing Classes, Dies at 55 " C4TV" - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvSZMLlUrPISUCxiDsnFVPwPernell Whitaker (born January 2 . Pernell Whitaker is legally having his mother evicted from a home she's been living in since 1984. Further, the ex-couple welcomed four children: Devon Whitaker, Dominique Whitaker, Pernell Whitaker Jr., and Dantavious Whitaker. He passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2019. His humble beginnings started in Youngs Park Housing Community where he was inspired to start his boxing career. During his long and successful career I never missed one of his fights. Boxing legend Pernell 'Sweet Pea' Whitaker dies after being struck by a Video Former Boxer: Evicting Mom Is a 'Beautiful Moment' Im going to surviveIm a survivor..Im going with my daughtershe is taking me in, she said. His first fighter, Dorin Spivey fought matches in 2006. Whereas the boxer was sentenced dead at the spot. 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. "He was this person who was only comfortable in the ring. Pernell Whitaker's Family: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know The cover of Sports Illustrated days later showed a photo of Whitaker landing a punch with the headline "Robbed!". Brett Caprioni Bio, Family, Career, Wife, Net Worth, Measurements. List of boxing cards set for this week, May 2-6, DFB-Pokal: How to watch semifinal matches, Barcelona vs. Osasuna: Preview, how to watch, La Liga Matchday 33 preview, how to watch, Pernell Whitaker diedafter being struck by a vehicle. Pernell Whitaker - This is Boxing - YouTube By the way, we're told the area where Pernell was hit is NOT a popular nightlife area -- in other words, it's not like he was out partying. 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. Caption: Pernell Whitaker, late American professional boxer. De La Hoya also paid tribute to his rival. We send our condolences to his family, as well as his extended family at Main Events and throughout the boxing community.". Boxing champ Pernell Whitaker dies; hit by car in Virginia [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, known as Sweet Pea or Pete, was an elusive fighter who deftly avoided being hit, or hurt, by his opponents. Pernell Whitaker dead: Boxing legend dies after being hit by car Seconds Out. Arrest warrant issued for Nate Diaz after brawl, Sources: Smith-Eubank rematch set for June 17, Remembering Whitaker: 'Sweet Pea' a master of the sweet science, 2013 BWAA Nat Fleischer Award winner for excellence in boxing journalism. Pernell Whitaker: Bio, Family, Education. Where Tyson was a savage wrecking ball, Whitaker was smooth and an untouchable thief in the night. 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. A street fighter as a youngster, he learned to box at a local recreation center. In December 2005 Whitaker became a boxing trainer in his home state of Virginia. The victim succumbed to his injuries on the scene," Virginia Beach Police Department spokesman L.M. Source: Business Insider. Pernell Whitaker was born on Jan. 2, 1964, in Norfolk, Va., one of seven children of Raymond and Novella Whitaker. In 2010, Whitaker was inducted into the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame, honoring those who have contributed to sports in southeastern Virginia. "Sweet Pea" was one of the most brilliant boxers in the past decades and he was always a great friend of the WBC.We are deeply saddened with this new; May the legend rest in eternal peace. Shortly after winning his Olympic Gold Medal in 1984, Whitaker celebrated by buying his mother a home in the town he grew up in Norfolk, Virginia. When officers arrived on scene they located an adult male victim who had been hit by a vehicle. He won a gold medal at the 1984 Olympics. Whitaker outpunched De La Hoya and scored the only knockdown, but the judges awarded De La Hoya a unanimous decision. Whitaker also had a daughter from a prior relationship, Tiara. His wake will be on Monday September 7, 2015 at the Metropolitan Funeral Home in Berkley. He then beat Rafael Pineda for the I.B.F. Virginia Beach - Pernell Whitaker Jr was born on October 5, 1984 and passed on Tuesday September 1, 2015. He could stand in front of you and you couldnt find him, Jim Lampley, the longtime HBO boxing announcer, said in a phone interview. I'm still trying to process everything that's going on. Pernell Whitakerwas born on January 2, 1964, and he is an American professional boxer and four-weight world champion. He was a flawless fighter. Whitaker's youngest son, Devon Whitaker, told The Virginian-Pilot newspaper that his dad was a "cool guy. Pernell Whitakers Family: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. In 2002, The Ring ranked Whitaker as the 10th Greatest Fighter of the Last 80 Years. He has written for the likes of the New York Daily News, Men's Health, The Associated Press, Sports Illustrated, Complex, XXL and Vibe Magazine. In terms of his defense and ring generalship, Pernell Whitaker was the best fighter that I ever fought. Pernell Sweet Pea Whitaker went from success to struggling. #ripsweetpea pic.twitter.com/un90hPmIO6. In 1990, he defended his Lightweight title against future champion Freddie Pendleton and Super Featherweight Champion Azumah Nelson of Ghana. Divisional rankings: Where do Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia land after their megafight? Pernell Whitaker, boxing champ and ex-trainer of McKees Rocks' Paul [27] He currently holds the longest unified lightweight championship reign in boxing history at six title defenses. He also won a gold medal at the 1984 Olympics in L.A. From 1993 to 1997 he was considered the #1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. He passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2019.[27]. One of the greatest boxers of my lifetime and my good friend Pernell Sweet Pea Whitaker passed away last night. However, at the time of his demise, his net worth has an estimation of around $5 million. . across the cover and they believed that Whitaker had won no less than 9 of the 12 rounds in the fight. But he now has two mortgages on the house and the alternative was if he didnt sell, it was going to go to foreclosure.. He then added the vacant WBC & The Ring belts by avenging his loss to Ramirez on August 20. 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. Pernell Whitaker was an American professional boxer who had his fights from 1984 to 2001. Retained WBA, WBC, and IBF lightweight titles, longest unified lightweight championship reign, "Pernell Whitaker Dead At 55, Boxing Legend Hit By Car", "Floyd Mayweather Jr. and 25 Best Defensive Boxers in History", "Ranking the 15 Worst Judging Decisions in Boxing History", "5 More Of the Worst Decisions in Boxing", "The List: The 10 Worst Decisions in Boxing History", PERNELL WHITAKER V JULIO CEASR CHAVEZ: BOXING'S CONTROVERISAL SCORECARDS, "Julio Cesar Vasquez vs. Pernell Whitaker", Pernell Whitaker vs Julio Cesar Vasquez - HBO World Championship Boxing, "Whitaker, Knocked Down, Comes Back to Knock Out Challenger", "Pernell Whitaker vs Diosbelys Hurtado-part 5/6", OSCAR TIME IT WASN'T AN AWARD-WINNING PERFORMANCE, BUT OSCAR DE LA HOYA TOOK PERNELL WHITAKER'S WELTERWEIGHT TITLE, "De La Hoya beats Whitaker He takes WBC crown by unanimous decision", "EX-CHAMP WHITAKER COULD FACE 6-MONTH SUSPENSION FOR DRUGS", "Zab Judah continues his personal road to redemption", "Ex-Millionaire Boxer 'Sweet Pea' Whitaker Says Evicting Mom Is 'Beautiful Moment', "Former champion Whitaker hit by car, dies", R.I.P. He was only 55.SUBSCRIBE -- http:. 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. Hes limited to what he can make training other boxers, Gould said. Whitaker, trained by the longtime team of Lou Duva and George Benton and managed by Shelly Finkel, won his first world title at lightweight by outpointing Greg Haugen in 1989. 8:56 AM PT -- TMZ Sports just spoke with boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. -- a long time friend of Pernell -- who tells us how much Whitaker meant to boxing and to him personally.

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