This archive report was first published on 16 July 2019.
On July 14, 2019, a tragic accident took the life of Pernell 'Sweet Pea' Whitaker, a legendary U.S. world boxing champion. He was 55 years old.
Whitaker, a four-division world champion, had a storied career that spanned over two decades. He won world titles in the WBC lightweight, IBF light welterweight, WBC welterweight, and WBA light middleweight divisions.
With a record of 40-4-1, including 17 knockouts, Whitaker retired in 2001. He later transitioned into a successful career as a trainer and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Whitaker's impressive resume includes being named boxer of the year by Ring magazine in 1989 and winning an Olympic gold medal in 1984.
The accident occurred on Sunday night at a Virginia Beach intersection, where Whitaker was pronounced dead. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene, and the accident is still under investigation.
