Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker, considered one of the greatest lightweight boxers of all time, died on Sunday, July 14, after he was hit by a vehicle in Virginia, police said.
The pedestrian, who died at the scene, was later identified as 55-year-old Whitaker.
The driver remained on site with police, the release said, and the investigation remains active.
"That's all I can say about him," he continued. "I can't really say how I'm feeling because I'm feeling shocked. I'm still trying to process everything that's going on. But he was a cool guy."
The report said he frequented Wareing's Gym in Virginia Beach.
An Illustrious Career
Whitaker, a southpaw known for his defensive prowess, grew up in Norfolk. As an amateur boxer, his record was 201-14 with 91 knockouts. He won Olympic gold at the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles and also won gold at the 1983 Pan American Games and silver at the 1982 World Championships.Whitaker turned pro in 1984 after the Olympics and went on to become a world champion in four different weight classes: lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight and light middleweight.
In his professional career, he had 40 wins (17 of which were by knockout), four losses and one draw. He was recognized by boxing publication Ring Magazine as Fighter of the Year in 1989. In 2002, the magazine ranked him the 10th greatest boxer of the last 80 years.
Whitaker retired from fighting in 2001 and worked as a trainer. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2007.
