Source: BOB DAEMMRICH / Getty
Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker, one of the greatest defensive boxers of his era, has died.
Whitaker was killed following a car accident in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He died at the scene.
The incident took place late Sunday evening in Whitaker’s native Virginia. He was struck by a car and the driver remained on the scene until paramedics arrived.
Whitaker, a four-division champion, was known for his Philly Shell defensive style which confused opponents and gave hem plenty of leeway to land counter punches and dominate opponents. He famously took Julio Cesar Chavez to a draw in the Alamodome in 1993.
A 1984 Olympian, Whitaker won the gold medal at the games and had high profile fights against Chavez, Oscar De La Hoya and Felix Trinidad. He retired with a record of 40-4-1.
He was 55 years old.
