The boxing world lost an all-time great last night with word of Pernell Whitaker‘s passing.
More affectionately known as “Sweet Pea” to the boxing community and his fans worldwide, it’s being reported that he died as a result of getting hit by a car and that it happened around 10 PM last night in Virginia Beach. And that he died on the scene.
The driver of the vehicle stayed and spoke with police.
Police did not initially identify the man, but family members have posted on social media, confirming the victim was indeed the 55-year-old boxing legend.
Whitaker’s professional career spanned from 1984 to 2001, where he became a four-weight world champion. He won the gold in the 84 Olympics in the Lightweight category, and after retiring, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2007.
Whitaker was born in Norfolk and made Hampton Roads his home. In 2014, he made national headlines after evicting his own mother from a home he purchased for her.
He will be missed.
RIP Sweet Pea.
