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.