At one time, he was widely recognized as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world.
Pernell ' Sweet Pea' Whitaker was killed on Sunday night after he was struck by a vehicle in Virginia Beach.
Whitaker was a world champion in the lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight, and light middleweight divisions.
He finished with a 40-4-1 record, including 17 knockouts. He began his journey in the sport with a tremendous amateur career, which he completed by capturing a Gold medal in the 1984 Olympic Games.
Driver of the vehicle is said to be known to the authorities and investigation is now going on the sad incident which occurred 10.04pm.
Somali-Canadian journalist killed in Somalia hotel attack
He said the African Union's multinational force in Somalia will continue to work to stabilise the country. Al-Shabab has been fighting to topple the government and install Sharia law for over a decade.
The couple had four children together and later divorced. "In terms of defense and ring generalship Pernell Whitaker was the best fighter that I ever fought".
The incident occurred as Whitaker was walking at an intersection in Virginia Beach. "The victim succumbed to his injuries on the scene", the police release said.
I'm truly lost for words to hear Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker is no longer with us. His signature defensive tactics and counterpunching resulted in him becoming undisputed lightweight and lineal welterweight champion during his Hall of Fame career.
After a comprehensive defeat by Felix Trinidad in 1999, Whitaker fought on before finally retiring following a loss to lightly regarded journeyman Carlos Bojorquez in April 2001.
The most memorable was his epic 1993 bout with Mexican legend Julio Cesar Chavez, which ended in a majority draw after two judges inexplicably scored the fight even.
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