Im going to get married in there, Whitaker said. [19][20][21], Whitaker's next bout was against Russian-born fighter Andrey Pestryayev in a world title elimination fight, where the winner would earn an automatic #1 contender spot for the WBA Welterweight crown, held at the time by Ike Quartey. 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. Chavez, the reigning junior welterweight titlist at the time, moved up in weight to challenge Whitaker for his welterweight world title before some 65,000 at the Alamodome in San Antonio in a showdown for pound-for-pound supremacy. "[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. In terms of his defense and ring generalship, Pernell Whitaker was the best fighter that I ever fought. Following this fight, Whitaker officially announced his retirement. 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. We share so many great memories. but no information regarding it. A loss to Carlos Bojorquez in April 2001 was his final match. 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, Whitakers lawyer Bruce Gould told ABC News in 2014. However, he chose to move back to welterweight.[14][15]. has died. One of the greatest boxers of my lifetime and my good friend Pernell Sweet Pea Whitaker passed away last night. No matter what he was going through, Pete had a great heart. Rest in Peace my friend. 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 . The victim succumbed to his injuries on the scene, a Virginia Beach Police Department spokesman said in a statement. Caption: Pernell Whitaker, late American professional boxer. By subscribing, I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, 2023 EHM PRODUCTIONS,INC. 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. Boxing legend Pernell Whitaker was killed Sunday night after he was hit by a car in Virginia Beach, TMZ Sports has learned. After the fights, we dropped the ropes, and they got married in the ring. welterweight champion, was scuttled when Whitaker again tested positive for cocaine. The driver was not cited -- though we're told that person is cooperating with authorities. "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. He broke his clavicle in round four and was forced to retire; at the time of the stoppage Whitaker was trailing in all the judges' scorecards by 28-29. The driver of the car remained at the scene, and the police said they were investigating the incident. This photo was taken 7/13/19. But unfortunately, he had a car accident in which he lost his life on the spot in Virginia Street on 14 July 2019. At the end of the fight, the judges' scores were 111-115, 110-116, 110-116. Questions ahead of Paul vs. Diaz: Can Diaz box? In January, 1997, Whitaker put his title on the line against Cuban fighter Diosbelys Hurtado. My prayers are with his family and loved ones. Pernell's passing is a great loss. 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. Pernell Sweet Pea Whitaker went from success to struggling. His wake will be on Monday September 7, 2015 at the Metropolitan Funeral Home in Berkley. . The late boxer had an average height of 5 feet 6 inches or 1.68 meters and weighs around 70 kg. Markian Hawryluk and Kevin Van Valkenburg, Whitaker was arguably the greatest lightweight ever (1:45), Hall of Fame boxer Whitaker hit by car, dies, Garcia, trainer Goossen part ways, sources say. But he now has two mortgages on the house and the alternative was if he didnt sell, it was going to go to foreclosure., But outside the courthouse on Wednesday, Whitaker appeared happy with court ruling to evict his mom. pic.twitter.com/sa4qZIDIIG, Im truly lost for words to hear Pernell Sweet Pea Whitaker is no longer with us. Originally a UD win for Whitaker, later ruled an NC after he failed a drug test. 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. The autopsy on Pernell Whitaker has been completed -- with officials saying the boxer died from "multiple blunt force injuries" in a car accident that has been labelled an "accident." TMZ. His mother, Novella told ABC News she was heartbroken by the decision but mentioned she will be fine because she is a fighter. [28] The couple later divorced. Whitaker now intends to sell the house to retain the $150,000 of equity in the home to recoup $18,000 in overdue taxes he paid on the building on behalf of his mother and two siblings living there, his lawyer said. He also won a gold medal as a lightweight at the 1984 Olympics. Loved him. [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. To me, he was one of the top five greatest boxers ever! 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 pic.twitter.com/IqmXkqpqkG, May you Rest In Peace.. Pernell Sweet Pea Whitaker! Somebody that Ive always loved to watch and wanted to meet so bad and now it will never happen. SMH RIP SWEET PEA you will for ever be one of the greatest to ever lace em up. The fight secured Whitaker the WBC, IBF and WBA lightweight titles. pic.twitter.com/56T1ueHiLh, So Sad. Max Kellerman talks about Pernell Whitaker's legacy in the boxing world after Whitaker's death Sunday night. Once a celebrated millionaire boxer and 1985 Olympic gold medalist, Whitaker is now struggling to pay his bills and needed to sell the house which he gave to his mother nearly 30 years ago, according to his lawyer. Boxing pound-for-pound rankings: Did Gervonta Davis make the top 10? 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. Whitaker trudged on, winning a decision over Greg Haugen for the IBF Lightweight title on February 18, 1989, becoming the first boxer to knock Haugen down by sending him to the mat in the sixth round. 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. Sports Illustrated 's post-fight edition had "ROBBED!" 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.". In 1990, he defended his Lightweight title against future champion Freddie Pendleton and Super Featherweight Champion Azumah Nelson of Ghana. "He would smile at you and demonstrate to you, while smiling, how remarkably easy this was for him.". I'm still trying to process everything that's going on. Where Tyson was a savage wrecking ball, Whitaker was smooth and an untouchable thief in the night. Whitaker is survived by three of his four children with Anthony -- Pernell Jr. died a few years ago -- and a daughter from a previous relationship. He was 55-years-old. 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. But he was a cool guy.". 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. In 2002, The Ring ranked him in the list of 10th Greatest Fighter of the Last 80 Years. #ripsweetpea pic.twitter.com/un90hPmIO6. But since we cant seem to keep Pete out of the boxing ring, I guess this is the best place.. "Sweet Pea" was one of the most brilliant boxers in the past decades and he was always a great . Whitaker's youngest son, Devon Whitaker, told The Virginian-Pilot newspaper that his dad was a "cool guy. Pernell Whitaker, widely considered to be one of the greatest defensive boxers of all time, has died after being hit by a car. 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 pic.twitter.com/IqmXkqpqkG. ABC News' calls to a number listed for Pernell Whitaker went unanswered today. 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. How good will the promotion be? Whitaker felt like neither his mother or other family members were contributing to the cost of the house, therefore he proceeded with the eviction. However, in his last fight with journeyman Carlos Bojorquezz, he broke his clavicle in fourth round which forced him to retire. Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. Bauder said in a statement. The victory over McGirt set him up for a much-anticipated fight against Julio Cesar Chavez at the Alamodome in San Antonio. 11:09. "I can't really say how I'm feeling because I'm feeling shocked. I put an old-fashioned project beating on him. [24], On February 20, 1999, Whitaker suffered his first convincing defeat against the much bigger, much fresher Flix Trinidad, gamely taking the Puerto Rican the distance in an attempt to win Trinidad's IBF welterweight title. He then faced the undefeated Oscar De La Hoya in 1997 for the W.B.C. pic.twitter.com/pZZEceN7h2. By David K. Li. "I loved Pernell Whitaker, and he loved me -- there was no doubt . The driver of the vehicle remained on scene with police.. His. welterweight belt. With his defensive techniques and skilled counterpunch, he had fought from 1984 to 2001. Then he later worked as a boxing trainer in his hometown Virginia after his retirement. 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. [4] In 1989, Whitaker was named Fighter of the Year by The Ring magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America. 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. He was also regarded as one of the best defensive boxers of all time. They brought him to events and scheduled him for personal appearances and autograph signings. Due to his financial problems, Whitaker had to file eviction orders against his mother, then 73-year-old, Novella Whitaker. 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. When officers arrived on scene they located an adult male victim who had been hit by a vehicle. RIP Sweet Pea. He earned money at autograph shows as well. Four-weight champion struck by car on Sunday night, Considered by many to be greatest defensive boxer of all time. He retired after being stopped, his shoulder injured, in the fourth round of a fight against Carlos Bojorquez in 2001. 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. ", I'm deeply saddened by the loss of this great champion, who gave a tremendous amount of joy to those who watched him. mourned his death. Pernell Whitaker, (born January 2, 1964, Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.died July 14, 2019, Virginia Beach, Virginia), American professional boxer, world lightweight (135 pounds), junior welterweight (140 pounds), welterweight (147 pounds), and junior middleweight (154 pounds) champion in the 1980s and '90s. Legendary boxer, Pernell Whitaker passed away Sunday after being hit by a car. Shortly after turning pro, Whitaker married Rovanda Anthony in 1985. RIP Sweet Pea. Virginia Beach - Pernell Whitaker Jr was born on October 5, 1984 and passed on Tuesday September 1, 2015. According to reports, he was a pedestrian and while crossing the street in Virginia Beach, he was struck and killed by a vehicle and the driver remained on there. Wow I cant believe this!!! In December 2005 Whitaker became a boxing trainer in his home state of Virginia. On August 11, 1990, he knocked out Juan Nazario in one round to win the WBA and vacant lineal lightweight titles,[9] becoming the first Undisputed Lightweight Champion since Roberto Durn. As a trainer, he trained Joel Julio and also the trainer for heavyweight Calvin Brock. However, at the time of his demise, his net worth has an estimation of around $5 million. 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. Whitaker won. https://t.co/OzPUCeBmgK. Whitaker and Chavez, who was 87-0 at the time, were considered two of the greatest boxers, pound for pound, of their day. . [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]. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Now a champion, Whitaker proceeded to dominate boxing's middle divisions over the first half of the 1990s. 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. Pernell Whitaker was born on Jan. 2, 1964, in Norfolk, Va., one of seven children of Raymond and Novella Whitaker. In 1984, he won his amateur career with an Olympic gold medal. He had up to 500 amateur fights but finished with 214 amateur fights winning with 201 and 91 of them knockouts. This is insanely sad. Whitaker was a legendary boxer who multiple titles in. Outside the Virginia court, he said the ruling in his favor a beautiful moment. Other than this, there is no other information on his parents, siblings, or documented on his education. In his amateur career, he won a silver medal in the lightweight division at the 1982 World Championship. Hurtado had Whitaker down on all the judges scorecards going into the 11th round: Hurtado scored flash knockdowns against Whitaker in rounds 1 and 6, and Whitaker had a point deducted in the 9th round for hitting Hurtado behind the head. A Virginia judge ruled that Pernell Whitaker's mother must vacate a home she's been living in since 1984. He jumped at it, and Rovanda loved it also. Since the glory days, Whitaker has been training young boxers, but work is slowly drying up, according to Gould. ", Magic Johnson added "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. 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. pic.twitter.com/sa4qZIDIIG, Im truly lost for words to hear Pernell Sweet Pea Whitaker is no longer with us. 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.". It was a blowout, a shutout. However, their marriage didnt go well and divorced after years. He was 55. . 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.. He could stand in front of you and you couldnt find him, Jim Lampley, the longtime HBO boxing announcer, said in a phone interview. Three months after the Olympics, he and several other members of the United States boxing team, among them Evander Holyfield and Mark Breland, made their professional debuts at Madison Square Garden in New York. "He had a lot of problems outside the ring, and those problems probably cut his career short," Duva said. He was 55. Boxing legend Pernell 'Sweet Pea' Whitaker dead at 55. 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 am saddened to learn of my good friend and Olympic teammate Pernell Whitaker's untimely passing last night.We share so many great memories. 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 - Can't Be Touched https://t.co/VlhdiThsAt via @YouTube, The thing about Sweet Pea was that he was the antithesis of Mike Tyson in the boxing ring.
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