Pernell Whitaker facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pernell Whitaker
Statistics
Nickname(s)	Sweet Pea
Rated at	Lightweight Light welterweight Welterweight Light middleweight
Height	5 ft 6 in
Reach	69 in
Born	(1964-01-02)January 2, 1964 Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.
Died	July 14, 2019(2019-07-14) (aged 55) Virginia Beach, Virginia, U.S.
Stance	Southpaw
Boxing record
Total fights	46
Wins	40
Wins by KO	17
Losses	4
Draws	1
No contests	1
Medal record Men's amateur boxing Representing  United States Olympic Games Gold 1984 Los Angeles Lightweight Pan American Games Gold 1983 Caracas Lightweight World Championships Silver 1982 Munich Lightweight

Pernell Whitaker Sr. (born January 2, 1964 – died July 14, 2019) was an American professional boxer. He competed from 1984 to 2001. After his boxing career, he became a boxing trainer.

Pernell Whitaker was known as "Sweet Pea." He won world titles in four different weight classes. These were lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight, and light middleweight. He was also the undisputed lightweight champion. This means he held all the major titles in that weight class at the same time. Many people think Whitaker was one of the best defensive boxers ever. He was very hard to hit.

In 1989, The Ring magazine named him Fighter of the Year. He also won the Sugar Ray Robinson Award. In 2006, he was added to the International Boxing Hall of Fame. This happened in his first year of being eligible.

Becoming a Boxer: Amateur Career

Pernell Whitaker started boxing when he was just nine years old. He had a very successful amateur career. He fought 214 amateur matches. He won 201 of these fights. A large number, 91, were won by knockout.

In 1982, he won a silver medal at the World Championships. He then won gold medals at the 1983 Pan American Games. In 1984, he won an Olympic gold medal in Los Angeles. This was a big achievement for him.

Turning Pro: A Champion's Journey

After his amazing amateur career, Whitaker became a professional boxer in 1984. He quickly showed his talent. In his early fights, he beat former world champions. He often fought in his hometown of Norfolk, Virginia.

In 1988, he fought José Luis Ramírez for the WBC Lightweight title. Whitaker lost this fight by a close decision. Many boxing experts and fans felt that Whitaker should have won easily. They called it a very controversial decision.

Becoming Undisputed Lightweight Champion

Whitaker did not let that loss stop him. In 1989, he won the IBF Lightweight title. He then got revenge against José Luis Ramírez. He beat Ramírez to win the WBC and The Ring lightweight titles. This made him a champion.

In 1990, Whitaker became the undisputed lightweight champion. This meant he held all the major lightweight titles. He was the first boxer to do this since Roberto Durán. He defended his titles against tough fighters like Azumah Nelson. He also knocked out Juan Nazario in the first round.

Moving Up in Weight

Pernell Whitaker started moving to heavier weight classes. In 1992, he won the IBF light welterweight title. He beat Rafael Pineda to become a two-weight world champion.

In 1993, he moved up again to welterweight. He defeated Buddy McGirt to win the WBC Welterweight title. This made him a three-weight world champion.

The Famous Fight: Whitaker vs. Chávez

On September 10, 1993, Whitaker faced Julio César Chávez. Chávez was considered one of the best boxers in the world. Their fight was called "The Fight." It took place in San Antonio, Texas.

Many people watching felt that Whitaker clearly won the fight. He used his amazing defensive skills to avoid Chávez's punches. However, the judges scored the fight as a draw. This was another very controversial decision for Whitaker. Sports Illustrated magazine even had "ROBBED!" on its cover.

Whitaker continued to defend his welterweight title. He had a rematch with Buddy McGirt in 1994 and won again.

Becoming a Four-Weight World Champion

On March 4, 1995, Whitaker made history. He fought Julio César Vásquez for the WBA super welterweight title. Whitaker won this fight. This made him only the fourth boxer in history to win world titles in four different weight classes. The other boxers were Thomas Hearns, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Roberto Durán. After this historic win, he decided to move back down to welterweight.

Return to Welterweight

Whitaker continued to defend his WBC welterweight title. In 1997, he had a very exciting fight against Diosbelys Hurtado. Whitaker was behind on the judges' scorecards. He was even knocked down twice. But in the 11th round, Whitaker showed his power. He landed many punches and knocked Hurtado out. This was a great comeback win.

Whitaker vs. De La Hoya

This win set up a big fight against Oscar De La Hoya. They met on April 12, 1997, in Las Vegas. Whitaker was defending his WBC title. He used his clever defense to make De La Hoya look bad. Whitaker landed more punches overall. But De La Hoya threw more power punches and was more aggressive.

De La Hoya won the fight by a unanimous decision. The scores were closer than they looked. Many people felt that Whitaker had won this fight too. It was another controversial decision against him.

After this, Whitaker had some challenges. A fight in 1997 was changed to a "No Contest." This meant it was as if the fight never happened.

Whitaker vs. Trinidad

On February 20, 1999, Whitaker fought Félix Trinidad. Trinidad was a much bigger and stronger boxer. Whitaker fought bravely for all 12 rounds. Trinidad won the fight by a clear decision. This was Whitaker's first loss where he was clearly beaten.

His last professional fight was on April 27, 2001. He had to stop the fight in the fourth round because he broke his collarbone. After this, Pernell Whitaker officially retired from boxing. He finished his career with 40 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw. He had 17 knockouts.

In 2002, The Ring magazine ranked Whitaker as the 10th greatest fighter of the last 80 years. In 2006, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Boxing Style

Pernell Whitaker was a southpaw, meaning he fought with his right hand and foot forward. He was famous for his amazing defensive skills. He was also a strong counterpuncher. This means he would hit his opponent right after they missed a punch. He wasn't known for powerful knockouts. But he was very hard to hit. He always kept attacking while being very hard for his opponents to land a solid punch on.

Career as a Trainer

After retiring from fighting, Pernell Whitaker became a boxing trainer. He wanted to share his knowledge of boxing with new fighters. He trained several boxers in his home state of Virginia.

He trained fighters like Dorin Spivey and Joel Julio. He also worked with heavyweight Calvin Brock. Whitaker also trained Paul Spadafora for three fights, which Spadafora won. In 2010, Whitaker was inducted into the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame. He also became the head trainer for Zab Judah, who won a title in 2011.

Personal Life

Pernell Whitaker was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on January 2, 1964. His parents were Raymond and Novella Whitaker. He had six brothers and sisters.

Pernell married Rovanda Anthony in a boxing ring in 1985. They later divorced. They had four children together: Dominique, Pernell Jr., Dantavious, and Devon.

Pernell graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. He later received an honorary degree from Norfolk State University. He grew up in a housing community called Youngs Park. This is where he found his love for boxing. Outside the ring, he helped his community and young people. He supported events at Norfolk State University. He also spent many hours training young people at boxing camps and gyms. He spoke at city council meetings to support community improvements.

Death

On July 14, 2019, Pernell Whitaker was crossing a street in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He was hit by a vehicle and died. He was 55 years old.

See also

• List of WBA world champions
• List of WBC world champions
• List of boxing quadruple champions
• List of left-handed boxers