pernell whitaker son death
Pernell Whitaker was born in Norfolk, Virginia on January 2, 1964, the son of Raymond Whitaker Sr. and his wife, Novella. 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. Boxing Hall of Famer Pernell Whitaker dies in auto accident - Yahoo Sports Wow I cant believe this!!! A post shared by Floyd Mayweather (@floydmayweather) on Jul 15, 2019 at 6:44am PDT, I'm deeply saddened by the loss of this great champion, who gave a tremendous amount of joy to those who watched him. Condolences to his family. In terms of his defense and ring generalship, Pernell Whitaker was the best fighter that I ever fought. One of the greatest boxers of my lifetime and my good friend Pernell Sweet Pea Whitaker passed away last night. VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia -- Pernell Whitaker, an Olympic gold medalist and four division champion who was regarded as one of the greatest defensive fighters ever, has died after being hit by. Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker, an Olympic gold medalist, was regarded as one . Pernell Whitaker, heralded as one of the greatest boxers to ever lace up a pair of gloves, died Sunday night after he was hit by a pickup truck while walking across a wide thoroughfare in Virginia . pic.twitter.com/gqf41jo6IO, This man was one of the greatest boxers ever to lace up gloves, loved watching him growing, defensive savant and as brave as they come. 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. Whitaker, who was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2006, won world titles in four weight classes. 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. Whitaker's youngest son, Devon Whitaker, told The Virginian-Pilot newspaper that his dad was a "cool guy. He crowned his amateur career with an Olympic gold medal in 1984, beating Luis Ortiz to obtain it. I couldnt have performed better.. 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.". With his defensive techniques and skilled counterpunch, he had fought from 1984 to 2001. Whitaker continued on to dominate for the next few years, defending his welterweight title against Santos Cardona on April 9, 1994 and in a rematch against McGirt on October 1, 1994. Whitaker, who has died aged 55 after being hit by a car while crossing a road in his hometown of Virginia Beach, Virginia, was an Olympic gold medallist for the US at the Los Angeles games of. He was 55. #ripsweetpea pic.twitter.com/un90hPmIO6. Whitaker finished his career with a record of 40 wins, four losses and that one draw. However, he chose to move back to welterweight.[14][15]. Whitaker called the ruling, a beautiful moment, per ABC News. Somebody that Ive always loved to watch and wanted to meet so bad and now it will never happen. Pernell Whitaker Obituary (1964 - 2019) - Norfolk, VA - The Virginian-Pilot 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. 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. Death. Name: Pernell Whitaker Alias: Sweet Pea Hometown: Norfolk, Virginia, USA Birthplace: Norfolk, Virginia, USA Died: 2019-07-14 (Age:55) Stance: Southpaw Height: 168cm Reach: 175cm Pro Boxer: Record . DAZN uses cookies to help us deliver our services and improve your user experience. "He was far from a perfect person and a pain in the ass at times, but I still loved him. Pernell Whitaker | Biography, Record, & Facts | Britannica The ceremony took place after five eigh-round matches ended. We send our condolences to his family, as well as his extended family at Main Events and throughout the boxing community.". https://t.co/OzPUCeBmgK. He has written for the likes of the New York Daily News, Men's Health, The Associated Press, Sports Illustrated, Complex, XXL and Vibe Magazine. He was. 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. Legendary boxer, Pernell Whitaker passed away Sunday after being hit by a car. He drew some news media attention in 2014 when he got into a dispute with his mother, leading him to evict her from the house he had bought her in Norfolk because she was not paying for its upkeep. Whitaker also became the head trainer of former undisputed welterweight champion Zab Judah,[26] who defeated Kaizer Mabuza in March 2011 to win the vacant IBF light welterweight title. I always wanted a church wedding, Ms. Anthony said before the wedding. 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.". Whereas the boxer was sentenced dead at the spot. Whitaker was not boxing on the show, but his Olympic teammates and good buddies Holyfield, Mark Breland, Meldrick Taylor and Tyrell Biggs were. 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. During his retirement, Whitaker dabbled as a trainer and remained close to Duva and her staff at Main Events. Felix Trinidad throws a punch during a fight against Pernell Whitaker. "Sweet Pea" was one of the most brilliant boxers in the past decades and he was always a great friend of the WBC.We are deeply saddened with this new; May the legend rest in eternal peace. The draw let Whitaker hold onto the title, and he won his next eight fights, including one that brought him the World Boxing Association super welterweight title. Whitaker is survived by his 5 children. Since the glory days, Whitaker has been training young boxers, but work is slowly drying up, according to Gould. Pernell Whitaker Sr.[2] (January 2, 1964 July 14, 2019)[3] was an American professional boxer who competed from 1984 to 2001, and subsequently worked as a boxing trainer. Whitaker won titles in the lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight and light middleweight divisions. He added: I mentally and physically beat him. 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. Its significantly diminished over the years and hes not able to maintain this $400,000 house for his mother and siblings to live in.. In January, 1997, Whitaker put his title on the line against Cuban fighter Diosbelys Hurtado. But nothing was more controversial than the draw he was saddled with against Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. on March 12, 1993. Thank you for inspiring me and all the future champions to do the sport that we love. Pernell also had a daughter, Tiara, from a prior relationship. How good will the promotion be? In fact, as one person involved in the investigation put it "It appears to just be a horrible accident.". To everyone please respect my familys privacy in this trying moment as I wanna inform people that today we lost a legend truly one of boxings greatest Pound 4 Pound champions my father Pernell Sweetpea Whitaker, the post said. He was 55-years-old. In my Top 2 fave fighters. "Hes not happy that it was necessary to go to court," Gould said. He was one of the greatest boxers of all time. [28] The couple later divorced. Whitaker originally won the fight, but the win was nullified & changed to a No Decision after he failed a post-fight drug test. https://t.co/OzPUCeBmgK. Hell be a son forever until death do us part, but he is putting a rip through the family, Whitakers eldest sister, Zelda Brown told ABC News. 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! Whitaker stopped his opponent, Farrain Comeaux, on a technical knockout late in the second round. Its significantly diminished over the years and hes not able to maintain this $400,000 house for his mother and siblings to live in.. "An artist in the ring, 'Sweet Pea' appeared on our World Championship Boxing platform for a decade [1990-1999], giving fans many unforgettable moments. Mauricio Sulaiman. Glad I got to sit next to him at the Ward v Kovalev fight in Las Vegas. "I loved Pernell Whitaker, and he loved me -- there was no doubt . welterweight title. Max Kellerman (@maxkellerman) July 15, 2019 Whitaker had been scheduled to fight on a nationally televised card with four other former Olympians Mark Breland, Tyrell Biggs, Meldrick Taylor and Evander Holyfield on that day in the mid-1980s, but the boxing legend had other plans. He was only 55. 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,. Sweet Pea was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2006 -- and is considered by many to be one of the greatest fighters of ALL TIME. His humble beginnings started in Youngs Park Housing Community where he was inspired to start his boxing career. In his memory, there is an Instagram account @pernellwhitakerr with more than 2k followers. Hall of Fame boxer Whitaker hit by car, dies - ESPN 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.. During his professional career, he had 40 wins, 17 knockouts, four losses and one draw, per CNN. He retired in 2001 after three defeats in his final four fights with but he was in his prime in the 80s and 90s. He had black eyes and black hair color. [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. As an amateur, Whitaker won a silver medal at the 1982 World Boxing Championships, a gold at the Pan-American Games in 1983 and a gold at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, all in the 132-pound lightweight division. Women's boxing pound-for-pound rankings: Did Baumgardner do enough to overtake Serrano? The two met in a welterweight superfight simply named "The Fight"[11] on September 10, 1993 in San Antonio, Texas. . Pernell Whitaker Obituary (1984 - 2015) - Norfolk, VA - The Virginian-Pilot In his lifetime career, he had won four-weight world champion with the titles lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight, and light middleweight; the undisputed lightweight title; and the lineal lightweight and welterweight titles. Questions ahead of Paul vs. Diaz: Can Diaz box? 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. The house was always listed under Whitakers name and as there was no written lease or deed of gift, the sons oral promise to his mother is not enforceable under Virginia law, Gould said. 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. "He was this person who was only comfortable in the ring. Boxing legend Pernell Whitaker has died at the age of 55 after being hit by a car in Virginia. Whitaker was a legendary boxer who multiple titles in. On behalf of everyone at Golden Boy, we send our prayers and condolences to his family and friends.". "Sweet Pea" was one of the most brilliant boxers in the past decades and he was always a great friend of the WBC. He was 55. pic.twitter.com/pZZEceN7h2. The victim succumbed to his injuries on the scene, a Virginia Beach Police Department spokesman said in a statement. 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. Pernell 'Sweet Pea' Whitaker Dead At 55 After Hit By Car, Driver Not RIP Sweet Pea. Whitaker and Anthony, who are now divorced, had four children Domonique, the late Pernell Jr., Dantavious, and Devon. Police in Virginia Beach said Whitaker was killed as he crossed the road at an intersection on Sunday night. 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. In 1984, he won his amateur career with an Olympic gold medal. Pernell 'Sweat Pea' Whitaker, former boxing champion, dies after being Hes limited to what he can make training other boxers, Gould said. Although Anthony said she always wanted to have a church wedding she told the Associated Press that the boxing ring was the best place. His problems continued in retirement, when he survived a cocaine overdose and in 2002 was convicted of cocaine possession. 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. During his long and successful career I never missed one of his fights. Click Agree to accept our use of cookies or you can choose to opt out of our use of cookies by following the instructions in our Privacy Policy and Cookie Notice. Since then, Whitaker went through financial struggles as his career transitioned from professional fighter to boxing trainer. The cover of Sports Illustrated days later showed a photo of Whitaker landing a punch with the headline "Robbed!". He met Oscar De La Hoya on April 12, 1997, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Loved him. Whitaker would fight nine times in the Scope arena during his career. 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. Pernell's lawyers said that he is not making the same kind of money as a trainer that he was as a boxer, and needed to sell off the home to satisfy the tax debt owed in order to prevent the property from being seized and put into foreclosure. In the following rounds, both boxers used their jabs most of the time, with Trinidad gaining an advantage when Whitaker attempted to attack inside, eventually scoring a knockdown in round two. Pernell Whitaker, widely considered to be one of the greatest defensive boxers of all time, has died after being hit by a car. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. He was 55. Main Events promoter Kathy Duva, whose company promoted Whitaker throughout his career and who remained close to Whitaker after his retirement, mourned his death. Pernell Whitaker dead: Boxing legend dies after being hit by car 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. My prayers are with his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/gqf41jo6IO, This man was one of the greatest boxers ever to lace up gloves, loved watching him growing, defensive savant and as brave as they come. 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. (1:45). Max Kellerman talks about Pernell Whitaker's legacy in the boxing world after Whitaker's death Sunday night. 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. Boxing champ Pernell Whitaker dies; hit by car in Virginia Pernell Whitakers Family: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. . Pernell Whitaker obituary | Boxing | The Guardian [25] In the fourth, fifth and sixth rounds the fighters exchanged combinations. Whitaker was also the trainer for heavyweight Calvin Brock who, as recently as November 2006, fought for the IBF and IBO titles against Wladimir Klitschko, wherein Brock was knocked out in the 7th round. Whitaker, known as Sweet Pea or Pete, was an elusive fighter who deftly avoided being hit, or hurt, by his opponents. The rematches that Whitaker wanted against De La Hoya and Chavez never happened. [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. Rest in Peace my friend. Mark Schwarz reflects on Pernell Whitaker's legacy and notes that the fighter's toughest opponent might have been himself. "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. I put an old-fashioned project beating on him. What happens when a boxer kills his opponent? In terms of his defense and ring generalship, Pernell Whitaker was the best fighter that I ever fought. I'm still trying to process everything that's going on. Though he is not in this world anymore, he has a fan page account on different social media platforms. I could watch hours and hours of him. [29], Pernell had personal struggles and in June 2002 was convicted of cocaine possession after a judge found he violated the terms of a previous sentence by overdosing on cocaine in March. world super lightweight title under Whitakers tutelage. It was another controversial decision against Whitaker, but it wasn't seen as a blatant robbery like the Ramirez or Chavez decisions. "We thought, hey, here's an idea, but we can't actually do that, can we?" 11:09. Though he was not particularly hard puncher still considered as a strong counterpuncher. Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. Convention Center, Virginia Beach, Virginia, U.S. Send me email updates and offers from TMZ and its Affiliates. Boxing hall of famer Pernell Whitaker dies at age of 55 in car accident 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. Before his professional career, Whitaker won a gold medal in the lightweight division at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. [2] He had six siblings, two brothers, Raymond Whitaker, Jr, Raynell Whitaker; and four sisters; Zelda Brown, Sylvonia Whitaker, Lucinda Manley, and Monique Williams. 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.". across the cover and they believed that Whitaker had won no less than 9 of the 12 rounds in the fight. 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. Powered by. He said to ABC News affiliate WVEC-TV that it was a beautiful moment.. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Sports Illustrated 's post-fight edition had "ROBBED!" 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. Thats all I can say about him, he told the Virginian Pilot newspaper. 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. His main source of income was from boxing as well as from his endorsements and advertisements. They were all elected in their first year of eligibility. . Pernell's passing is a great loss. Former boxing champion Pernell Whitaker has died after he was hit by a car in . 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. R.I.P. In 2010, Whitaker was inducted into the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame, honoring those who have contributed to sports in southeastern Virginia. 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. He then faced the undefeated Oscar De La Hoya in 1997 for the W.B.C. [25] The fight began with both boxers displaying aggressive styles, which included excessive pushing. In 2002, The Ring ranked him in the list of 10th Greatest Fighter of the Last 80 Years. He would smile at you and demonstrate to you, while smiling, how remarkably easy this was for him.. pic.twitter.com/Zsgqa66FKF, When Pernell Whitaker was world champion from lightweight to light middleweight, he was something special. Moreover, from the age of nine, he started his training in an amateur boxing career. The couples marriage held in the boxing ring at the Virginia Beach Pavilion Convention Center on 2 January 1964. 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. Whitaker outpunched De La Hoya and scored the only knockdown, but the judges awarded De La Hoya a unanimous decision. Boxing community reacts to tragic death of Pernell Whitaker Further, the ex-couple welcomed four children: Devon Whitaker, Dominique Whitaker, Pernell Whitaker Jr., and Dantavious Whitaker. SMH RIP SWEET PEA you will for ever be one of the greatest to ever lace em up. As a trainer, he trained Joel Julio and also the trainer for heavyweight Calvin Brock. Whitaker was survived by his five children. He passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2019.[27]. CNN Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker, considered one of the greatest lightweight boxers of all time, died Sunday after he was hit by a vehicle in Virginia, police said. A Virginia judge ruled that Pernell Whitaker's mother must vacate a home she's been living in since 1984. Whitaker died on July 14, 2019 after being stuck by a vehicle in Virginia Beach, Virginia. In 2001, he retired and then began another phase of his career as a professional coach from 2005. 2023 EHM PRODUCTIONS,INC. Pernell graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1982 and later received an honorary Bachelors degree from Norfolk State University. But Whitaker's final falling out with his family came to an ugly end in a Virginia court on Wednesday. ABC News' calls to a number listed for Pernell Whitaker went unanswered today. 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.". His fall from grace and solvency involved numerous incidences of drug abuse and a history of arrests and run-ins with police. "He would smile at you and demonstrate to you, while smiling, how remarkably easy this was for him.". "It was an honor to share the ring with him. 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. [27] The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced that it would fly its flags at half-staff in Whitaker's memory. He could stand in front of you and you couldnt find him, Jim Lampley, the longtime HBO boxing announcer, said in a phone interview. On March 6, 1993, he decisioned Buddy McGirt to become the Lineal and WBC Welterweight Champion. Pernell Whitaker was born on Jan. 2, 1964, in Norfolk, Va., one of seven children of Raymond and Novella Whitaker. Due to his financial problems, Whitaker had to file eviction orders against his mother, then 73-year-old, Novella Whitaker. But Bob Arum, De La Hoya's promoter at that time, decided against it. [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. The driver of the car remained at the scene, and the police said they were investigating the incident. His youngest son, Devon, described his father as a cool guy on Monday. "Sweet Pea" was one of the most brilliant boxers in the past decades and he was always a great . There's no doubt.". The court ruled that Whitaker's 73-year-old mother, Novella Whitaker, had to vacate the house by March 31. I cant really say how Im feeling because Im feeling shocked. Pernell graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1982 and later received an honorary Bachelor's degree from Norfolk State University. A post shared by Floyd Mayweather (@floydmayweather) on Jul 15, 2019 at 6:44am PDT. ", Yes! Last night it was like someone put a knife in me and twisted it, Whitaker told Sports Illustrated the next day, irate at the decision. However, their marriage didnt go well and divorced after years. 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. His marriage ended in divorce. He was also regarded as one of the best defensive boxers of all time.
pernell whitaker son death