As a trainer, he trained Joel Julio and also the trainer for heavyweight Calvin Brock. In fact, as one person involved in the investigation put it "It appears to just be a horrible accident.". 7:26 AM PT -- Pernell took a photo with Floyd Mayweather at an autograph show they were both appearing at in Virginia on the day before he died. Its significantly diminished over the years and hes not able to maintain this $400,000 house for his mother and siblings to live in.. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Pernell Whitaker obituary | Boxing | The Guardian Boxing hall of famer Pernell Whitaker dies at age of 55 in car accident He also remained active in Norfolk and spoke at city council meetings on behalf of the residents in support of community improvements. pic.twitter.com/56T1ueHiLh, So Sad. He then faced the undefeated Oscar De La Hoya in 1997 for the W.B.C. Pernell Whitaker, widely considered to be one of the greatest defensive boxers of all time, has died after being hit by a car. His strong and fit body had a measurement of 42 inches chest, 32 inches waist, and 35 inches hips size. "He would smile at you and demonstrate to you, while smiling, how remarkably easy this was for him.". The driver of the car remained at the scene, and the police said they were investigating the incident. Apparently, back taxes were owed on the house and Pernell said that neither his mother nor his siblings, who also stayed in the house, were doing anything to help keep the house afloat financially. Pernell graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1982 and later received an honorary Bachelor's degree from Norfolk State University. I put an old-fashioned project beating on him. Pernell Whitaker Car Crash Death Video - YouTube Boxing legend Pernell Whitaker has died at the age of 55 after being hit by a car in Virginia. I was robbed again, Whitaker said afterward. There's no doubt.". Whitaker (who's from Virginia) was a BEAST in the ring winning world titles at 4 different weights -- lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight and light middleweight. A split-decision loss for a lightweight world title to Jose Luis Ramirez in 1988 and the loss of his welterweight belt to Oscar De La Hoya in 1997 were highly controversial. has died. Whitaker, known by the nickname "Sweet Pea," managed to become one of the best boxers in history despite suffering from adrug addiction. Pernell 'Sweet Pea' Whitaker killed after he's hit by a vehicle in Waking up to this news just has me GUTTED. Thank you for inspiring me and all the future champions to do the sport that we love. Source: Business Insider. "I can't really say how I'm feeling because I'm feeling shocked. Pernell Whitaker is legally having his mother evicted from a home she's been living in since 1984. Ring Magazine named him the Fight of the Year in 1989. Pernell Whitaker, Champion in Four Boxing Classes, Dies at 55 On March 12, 1988, he challenged Jos Luis Ramrez for the WBC Lightweight title in Levallois, France. His main source of income was from boxing as well as from his endorsements and advertisements. Sweet Pea has two siblings: a brother, Raymond, Jr., and a sister, Monique. Questions ahead of Paul vs. Diaz: Can Diaz box? 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. mourned his death. He posted a 40-1-1 record across his first 42 fights before failing to win any of his final four bouts, a stretch that featured three losses and a no-contest. On behalf of everyone at Golden Boy, we send our prayers and condolences to his family and friends. Pernell Whitaker - BoxRec Whitaker outpunched De La Hoya and scored the only knockdown, but the judges awarded De La Hoya a unanimous decision. 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 Sweet Pea Whitaker was in the class of Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard as one of the most entertaining fighters in my lifetime. Legendary boxer, Pernell Whitaker passed away Sunday after being hit by a car. The Virginia Beach Police Department said the incident remains an active investigation, but Whitaker was apparently hit by a vehicle at around 10 p.m. Sunday when he was walking at an intersection. His youngest son, Devon, described his father as a . He earned money at autograph shows as well. We're told officials received a call around 10:04 PM in response to an accident at the intersection of Northampton Boulevard and Baker Road. 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 was far from a perfect person and a pain in the ass at times, but I still loved him. He was also regarded as one of the best defensive boxers of all time. Boxing community reacts to tragic death of Pernell Whitaker Boxing community reacts to tragic death of Pernell Whitaker [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. In terms of his defense and ring generalship, Pernell Whitaker was the best fighter that I ever fought. Mark Schwarz reflects on Pernell Whitaker's legacy and notes that the fighter's toughest opponent might have been himself. Examined. Pernell 'Sweet Pea' Whitaker Dead At 55 After Hit By Car, Driver Not But he was a cool guy.". He met Oscar De La Hoya on April 12, 1997, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Whitaker and Chavez, who was 87-0 at the time, were considered two of the greatest boxers, pound for pound, of their day. He was small in statue but yet so big in heart and skills inside the ring, there will never be another like him, he will truly be missed https://t.co/IqmXkqpqkG. Thats all I can say about him, he told the Virginian Pilot newspaper. No matter what he was going through, Pete had a great heart. Upon hearing thetragic news that Pernell Whitaker diedafter being struck by a vehicle while crossing the streetin Virginia Beachon Sunday, members of the boxing community paid tribute to thelegend known as "Sweet Pea. Rest in Peace my friend. Whitaker was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2006, and was a champion in four weight classes: lightweight, junior welterweight, welterweight and junior middleweight. 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!! 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. 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. I always wanted a church wedding, Anthony said, but since we cant seem to keep Pete out of the boxing ring, I guess this is the best place.. Pernell Whitaker was born on Jan. 2, 1964, in Norfolk, Va., one of seven children of Raymond and Novella Whitaker. The victim succumbed to his injuries on the scene," Virginia Beach Police Department spokesman L.M. Following the fight, he announced his retirement and recorded his professional career with 40-4-1 with 17 knockouts. He then added the vacant WBC & The Ring belts by avenging his loss to Ramirez on August 20. "An artist in the ring, 'Sweet Pea' appeared on our World Championship Boxing platform for a decade [1990-1999], giving fans many unforgettable moments. Boxing community reacts to tragic death of Pernell Whitaker, Pernell Whitaker diedafter being struck by a vehicle. Emergency medical personnel at the scene tried to resuscitate Whitaker -- even performing CPR on him -- but unfortunately, Whitaker succumbed to his injuries and died. On Wednesday, a Norfolk General District Court judge ruled in Whitakers favor, ordering Novella Whitaker and two other children and their families also living in the home to leave the house by March 31. 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. This is insanely sad. He lost to two-time Olympic Gold medalist ngel Herrera Vera at the final of the World Championships 1982 but beat him four other times, notably in the final of the Pan American Games 1983 in Caracas. Legendary boxer Pernell Whitaker suffered "multiple blunt-force injuries" leading to his death at the age of 55 after being struck by a car while walking Sunday night in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Pernell Whitaker was born in Norfolk, Virginia on January 2, 1964, the son of Raymond Whitaker Sr. and his wife, Novella. Whitaker had an extensive amateur boxing career, having started at the age of nine. Max Kellerman (@maxkellerman) July 15, 2019 [2] He had six siblings, two brothers, Raymond Whitaker, Jr, Raynell Whitaker; and four sisters; Zelda Brown, Sylvonia Whitaker, Lucinda Manley, and Monique Williams. The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced that it would fly its flags at half-staff in Whitaker's memory. As great as Whitaker was, many wondered how much greater he could have been without the drug addiction that plagued him throughout his career. Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. In my Top 2 fave fighters. Cops are investigating. Duva said. 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. "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. His is a Hall of Fame legacy, which we are forever grateful to call our own heritage. I could hear Dan telling him, Ill get you an easy fight, for a breather, and Pete would say, I dont want no easy fights, she said. 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. #RipSweetPea https://t.co/TSzFcf5d5Y, Very sad to hear the news about Pernell Whitaker today.RIP Champ. In my Top 2 fave fighters. "He had a lot of problems outside the ring, and those problems probably cut his career short," Duva said. #PernellWhitaker pic.twitter.com/IZv3IQOo2f, It was an honor to share the ring with him. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Whitaker and Anthony, who are now divorced, had four children Domonique, the late Pernell Jr., Dantavious, and Devon. Jun 29. "Everyone at the Hall of Fame joins the boxing community in mourning his passing and offers our condolences to his family.". Whitaker was not boxing on the show, but his Olympic teammates and good buddies Holyfield, Mark Breland, Meldrick Taylor and Tyrell Biggs were. DIED 2019 PERNELL WHITAKER OBITUARY Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker was a boxing legend who was considered one of the best boxers pound for pound in the history of the sport. He was born on 2 January 1964, in Norfolk, Virginia. Also, he made national headlines in 2014 when he evicted his mother out of the house he bought in 1984 for her after winning a gold medal. Its sad for him to have to take action against his mother, but none of the family would contribute to the real estate and he had no alternative but to use the court process, Gould said. Shortly after turning pro, Whitaker married Rovanda Anthony in 1985. He was the pound for pound best for half a decade, and one of the 3 greatest pure boxers who ever lived. Ex-Millionaire Boxer 'Sweet Pea' Whitaker Says Evicting Mom Is Im going to get married in there, Whitaker said. 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]. In addition, he won a gold medal at the 1984 Olympics and 1983 Pan American Games. Whereas the boxer was sentenced dead at the spot. Condolences to his family. Pernell Whitaker | Biography, Record, & Facts | Britannica pic.twitter.com/pZZEceN7h2. 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. Sixteen months later, Whitaker returned, but he was a shell of himself against Trinidad. 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. His. Feb. 27, 2014— -- Former welterweight boxing champ Pernell Sweet Pea Whitaker's latest battle was a court fight to evict his mother from her house and he described his court victory as a "beautiful moment.". 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. In 1993, in the fight after the megafight with Chavez, Whitaker notched the first of his two decision wins over Hall of Famer James "Buddy" McGirt to win a welterweight world title, which he defended eight times before losing it to De La Hoya. Dan said, I can get you a couple of million dollars, but Pete would say, I dont want no easy fights. , Pernell Whitaker, Champion in Four Boxing Classes, Dies at 55, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/15/sports/pernell-whitaker-champion-in-four-boxing-classes-dies-at-55.html. Boxing legend Pernell 'Sweet Pea' Whitaker dead at 55. [12] The now-defuncted Bert Sugar's Boxing Illustrated" magazine had a heading on the cover of its post-fight edition telling readers not to buy the issue if they really believed "The Fight" was a draw.[13]. 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. [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. "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. It was another controversial decision against Whitaker, but it wasn't seen as a blatant robbery like the Ramirez or Chavez decisions. February 27, 2014. After retirement, he also survived a cocaine overdose in 2001. RIP, Ex-NFL star Michael Vick, who's also from Virginia, tweeted about Whitaker's passing -- saying, 'Sweet Pea' Whitaker was our hometown legend and the greatest of all time. Let us scroll over to know more about his personal details. Pernell Whitaker. "When officers arrived on scene, they located an adult male victim who had been hit by a vehicle. In his memory, there is an Instagram account @pernellwhitakerr with more than 2k followers. The accident occurred at approximately 10 p.m . He was 55. He had demons, but when he was in the ring, that was when he was in control and when he was happy and when he was the very best at what he did, and he wanted to show that to everybody.". TMZ Sports provided details from the autopsy Tuesday and noted investigators don't believe alcohol, drugs or speed were factors, with one official calling the death a "horrible accident.". The couples marriage held in the boxing ring at the Virginia Beach Pavilion Convention Center on 2 January 1964. He currently holds the longest unified lightweight championship reign in boxing history at six title defenses. Though he is not in this world anymore, he has a fan page account on different social media platforms. Whitaker's youngest son, Devon Whitaker, told The Virginian-Pilot newspaper that his dad was a "cool guy." . He retired after being stopped, his shoulder injured, in the fourth round of a fight against Carlos Bojorquez in 2001. 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. Source: Business Insider. [18], For his part, De La Hoya wasn't too pleased with his own performance against Whitaker and had hinted at a possible rematch to prove that he could do better against him. After Whitakers boxing career ended, his personal life took a hit as he had several run-ins with drug abuse and legal troubles, according to ABC News. But in a fight that many observers thought Whitaker had won easily, two judges called it a draw and a third voted for Whitaker, leaving the fight ruled a draw. Video Former Boxer: Evicting Mom Is a 'Beautiful Moment' After his retirement in 2001, Whitaker returned to the sport as a trainer. Boxing champ Pernell Whitaker dies; hit by car in Virginia His marriage ended in divorce. His wake will be on Monday September 7, 2015 at the Metropolitan Funeral Home in Berkley. Whitaker was survived by his five children. Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker, an Olympic gold medalist, was regarded as one . Caption: Pernell Whitaker, late American professional boxer. [28] The couple later divorced. Pernell Whitaker Jr Passes Away Today From Rare Cancer Boxing and Basketball 12.9K subscribers Subscribe 12K views 7 years ago Make Sure you hit the Thanks Button Down Below This Channel to. He later trained young prospect Joel Julio. #Boxing has lost one of its best and Ive lost a friend. Four-weight champion struck by car on Sunday night, Considered by many to be greatest defensive boxer of all time. Pernell Whitaker, right, fighting Julio Cesar Vasquez in Atlantic City in April 1995. Main Events promoter Kathy Duva, whose company promoted Whitaker throughout his career and who remained close to Whitaker after his retirement, mourned his death. welterweight belt. On behalf of everyone at Golden Boy, we send our prayers and condolences to his family and friends.". Boxing great Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker, who won Olympic gold and championship belts in four weight classes, was killed after being struck by a pickup truck in his native . He was a flawless fighter. 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. Whitaker successfully defended his WBC belt against Scotland's Gary Jacobs on August 26, 1995. To me, he was one of the top five greatest boxers ever! Rate Pernell Whitakers Career from 1-10 #fight #ko #tko #streetfight #knockout #mma #ufc #fitness #excercise #brutal #sport #punch #punches #belator #pernellwhitaker #workout #heavyweight #strength #boxing #power #miketyson #royjonesjr #train #motivation #combat #conormcgregor #anthonyjoshua , A post shared by Pernell Whitaker Fan Page (@pernellwhitakerr) on Feb 11, 2018 at 3:08pm PST. His death led to an outpouring of condolences from other the era's other superstars. Getty In 2002, The Ring ranked him in the list of 10th Greatest Fighter of the Last 80 Years. [25] In the fourth, fifth and sixth rounds the fighters exchanged combinations. He passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2019.[27]. "I'm deeply saddened by the loss of this great champion, who gave a tremendous amount of joy to those who watched him," De La Hoya, now chairman of Golden Boy promotions, said in a statement. "Hes not happy that it was necessary to go to court," Gould said. 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. ", Yes! Boxing Legend Pernell 'Sweet Pea' Whitaker Dead At 55, Hit By Car - YouTube When Kathy Duva heard Hall of Fame boxer Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker was killed Sunday night after being hit by a car in Virginia Beach, Va., her first thought was, "I hate July." Whitaker's. Hes limited to what he can make training other boxers, Gould said. Im a scientist now, Im not a boxer. RIP Sweet Pea. 9:54. Felix Trinidad throws a punch during a fight against Pernell Whitaker. Blaine's son-in-law Andy Johnson tells The Associated Press that Blaine died of natural causes Monday . But midway in the 11th round, Whitaker landed a left hook that hurt Hurtado and, in a rare display of aggression and power, unleashed a barrage of left-handed power shots, pummeling Hurtado into the ropes, knocking Hurtado out and almost completely out of the ring before referee Arthur Mercante Jr. stopped the fight at the 1:52 mark, giving Whitaker the come-from-behind TKO win. He said to ABC News affiliate WVEC-TV that it was a beautiful moment.. The judges gave the champion scores of 117111, 118109 and 118109.[25]. Further, he holds the longest unified lightweight championship reign in boxing history to date with six title defenses. In December 2005 Whitaker became a boxing trainer in his home state of Virginia. Pernell Whitaker Wife When cops arrived, they located the man who had been hit by a vehicle who was in really bad shape -- and our sources tell us that man was Pernell Whitaker. We send our condolences to his family, as well as his extended family at Main Events and throughout the boxing community.". They were all elected in their first year of eligibility. "I'm going to surviveI'm a survivor..I'm going with my daughtershe is taking me in," said Novella Whitaker told WVEC. Wow I cant believe this!!! During his long and successful career I never missed one of his fights. "I loved Pernell Whitaker, and he loved me -- there was no doubt . During his welterweight reign, Whitaker made a one-fight jump to junior middleweight and outpointed Julio Cesar Vasquez in 1995 to win a title in his fourth division. As an amateur, Whitaker went 201-14 and not only took home gold at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics but also won gold at the 1983 Pan American Games and a silver medal at the 1982 World Championships when he was 18. 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. [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. 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. 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. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest?
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