The boxing world has lost one of its greats with the untimely and tragic passing of Pernell Whitaker. Also known as “Sweat Pea”, the Olympic Gold Medalist and four division world champion epitomized the most basic of rules of the sweet science – to hit and not get hit. Over a 17 year career, the southpaw from Norfolk, Virginia fought the best of his era. Notching wins over the likes of Roger Mayweather, Buddy McGirt and Azumah Nelson. Moreover, he put the likes of Oscar De La Hoya and Julio Cesar Chavez into parts unknown during his battles with them. Many felt Whitaker beat both, but was the victim of the typical politics of boxing.
“It was an honor to share the ring with him. In terms of his defense and ring generalship, Pernell Whitaker was the best fighter that I ever fought.” said Oscar De La Hoya upon news of Whitaker’s passing.
At this time, we ‘LLERO take a look at the defensive wizardry that no judges score card could deny.