Former world boxing champion 'Sweet Pea' dead

Boxing
By Reuters | Jul 16, 2019
Former U.S. world champion Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker [Courtesy]

Former U.S. world champion Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker has died after being hit by a vehicle in Virginia Beach, Virginia, according to police. He was 55.

Whitaker was a world champion in four divisions - WBC lightweight, IBF light welterweight, WBC welterweight and WBA light middleweight. He retired in 2001 after compiling a 40-4-1 record including 17 knockouts and later worked as a trainer.

A member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Whitaker was named boxer of the year by Ring magazine in 1989. He also won an Olympic gold medal in 1984.

Whitaker was pronounced dead at a Virginia Beach intersection on Sunday night after police were called to the scene of an accident, a police report said.

The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and the accident is still under investigation, police added.

Share this story
More Kenyan stars defy age to shine at city marathons
Kenya’s athletics stars who are aged above 40 years are continuing to tear up the rulebook with their dominance at well-oiled marathons.
Kakamega and St Peter's Mumias close in on title
The former national champions are on the verge of setting up an epic final. Finalists will book their tickets to the Western Region Term One games.
Kisii School triumph in rescheduled boys' basketball final
Kisii School defeated Nyanchwa, who have been multiple champions, in the high-stakes final that saw the former basketball champions concede defeat after a 102-89 loss.
Chana brothers ready for big test against top guns at Safari Rally
Jasmeet will be navigated by his brother Ravinder. They hope that their Ford Fiesta will be able to battle against the other big machines.
Leverkusen coach questions legality of Arsenal's set-piece tactics
Bayer Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand questioned whether Champions League opponent Arsenal's set-piece tactics are legal ahead of Wednesday's last-16 first-leg tie in Germany.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS