Pernell Whitaker dies.

[littlepug]

According to that TMZ site he was hit by a car last night RIP champ.
https://www.tmz.com/2019/07/15/pernell- ... ead-at-55/

[Covfefe]

I just heard about this, posted it on the British forum.

Wtf. Terrible news. Can only be in his 50s.

[elmersalsa]

R.I.P champ! You are one of the greatest that ever stepped in the boxing ring. I will never forget your classic masterpieces! You was a true boxing legend and a great champion!

[evrenb]

So sad and so before his time. One of the greatest who ever fought. I'm gobsmacked.
RIP champ

[sweetsci]

That really sucks.

In another forum I wrote of a personal memory of Sweet Pea -

When I was in the Navy I was stationed in Norfolk. The evening before the Ramirez rematch I was at Tracks, a local record store. I went over to look at the 45s, and who was there flipping through the 12" singles but Pernell Whitaker. He was alone, no entourage, wife / girlfriend, or male friends. We were just two guys out on a summer Saturday evening, on our own, shopping for records.

I thought to myself, "He's got a fight tomorrow!" But I didn't bother him or talk to him. I just let him be.

I wasn't going to go the fight, but after that I decided to head down to the Scope the next day. I'm so glad I did. Not only did I see, in person, Sweet Pea emphatically avenge the only "loss" on his record up to that point, but I saw future champ Freddie Norwood turn pro (after the main event, if memory serves). Mark Breland, Meldrick Taylor, and Evander Holyfield were there to cheer their Olympic teammate on. After the fights they all hung out at ringside and chatted with fans. Holyfield was accommodating enough, I don't remember much about Taylor, but the guy who made the biggest impression on me was Mark Breland. He was there with his little boy and just exuded a mellow kindness.

I live in Virginia now, more north, and something must have been in the air in Virginia last night as far as the way people were driving. I almost got t-boned by a lady who ran a red light. Two minutes later I almost rear-ended a guy who decided to stop at a green light. Be careful out there, people.

Anyway, thanks for the memory, champ, and for all the TV memories that came before and after the personal one. RIP Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker.

[scorpio83]

As the fight fan, that hit me hard that Sweet Pea tragically killed by being ran over by a car. A hall of famer and one of the pound for pound greats is no longer with us at 55 years young.


RIP Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker, one of the great champions of all-time and one of the true legends

[sweetsci]

It's hitting the mainstream news now -

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/284 ... =editorial

[Syntax Error]

Terrible news.

RIP King.

[oogiebe]

I'm gutted.

[chrisjs1985]

RIP champ. One of the best of any era.

[Nile4000]

Really tragic. And very shocking. RIP Pernell, great fighter.

[Ambling Alp II]

That is tragic. A person only in their 50s dying that is always sad.

[dagosd2000]

[scorpio83]

Nice tribute to the late great Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker, he was gone, but not forgotten.

[elmersalsa]

Pernell Whitaker was one of the all time best. I can't believe that he won 214 fights in the amateurs with 91 knockouts and only 5 losses! Damn, that's a hell of a record. Plus he was Olympic Gold Medalist in '84.

He had a tremendous resume, either amateur or professional.

[dagosd2000]

Nice tribute to the late great Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker, he was gone, but not forgotten.

Thank you.

[Onetimeonly]

Surprising how he went, but I'm almost surprised he lived this long. Best fighter since Leonard IMO. He'd have clowned Manny and outworked Floyd.

[scorpio83]

Nice tribute to the late great Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker, he was gone, but not forgotten.

Thank you.

You're welcome my man.

[DrDuke]

He'd have clowned Manny and outworked Floyd.

I agree. Sweet Pea was a true legend of the sport.

[scorpio83]

He'd have clowned Manny and outworked Floyd.

I agree. Sweet Pea was a true legend of the sport.

I agree too, Sweet Pea would toy Pacman for 15 rounds and making him missed his swings with his great dodging and movement. He would out-counter Floyd and make his missed his swings as well with his dodging and movement behind his southpaw jabs. Sad way of how Sweet Pea's life ended.