Pernell Whitaker

Biography

Pernell Whitaker, widely known by his nickname "Sweet Pea," was an iconic figure in professional boxing. He was renowned for his defensive prowess and ability to outmanoeuvre some of the most formidable opponents in the ring. Born on January 2, 1964, in Norfolk, Virginia, Whitaker's boxing style and skill set left an indelible mark on the sport.

Before turning professional, Whitaker had an illustrious amateur career, culminating in winning a gold medal at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. This achievement set the stage for a professional career that would see him conquer multiple weight classes and earn recognition as one of the best defensive boxers of all time.

Pernell Whitaker made his professional debut on November 15, 1984, winning by TKO in the second round against Farrain Comeaux. From the start, he showcased his signature southpaw stance and exceptional defensive skills. His ability to slip punches and counterattack made him a difficult target for any opponent.

Whitaker's first world title tilt ended in one of boxing's most controversial decisions ever. On March 12,988, at The Stade de Levallois in Levallois-Perret, France, Jose Luis Ramirez made the second defence of his WBC World Lightweight Title against the unbeaten Whitaker. At the end of the twelve rounds, it seemed to the media and fans that a unanimous decision in the challenger's favour would be a formality, and yet the judges came up with scores of: Newton Campos 113-118, Harry Gibbs 117-113, and Louis Michel 115-116, all favouring Ramirez.

Whitaker took Ramirez's loss with a pinch of salt, and two fights later, he relieved Greg Haugen of his IBF 135lb trinket with a sublime 12-round exhibition. Boxing fans were clear about who the true world Lightweight champion was.

Throughout his career, Whitaker won world titles in four different weight classes: lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight, and light middleweight. His fights were characterized by tactical brilliance, with Whitaker often outthinking and outmanoeuvring fighters who relied on power and aggression. Notable title bouts included victories over Greg Haugen for the lightweight title, James "Buddy" McGirt for the welterweight belt, and Julio César Chávez, which ended controversially in a draw many believed Whitaker had won.

Whitaker's defensive skills were complemented by his footwork and ring intelligence, making him one of the most admired boxers in the sport's history. His bouts were lessons in boxing technique, demonstrating that effective defence could be as compelling as knockout power.

Pernell Whitaker retired from professional boxing with an impressive record, having faced some of the biggest names across multiple divisions. He continued to be involved in boxing, imparting his knowledge to younger fighters and remaining a respected figure in the boxing community until his untimely death on July 14, 2019, at the age of 55.

Whitaker's professional boxing record of 46 bouts, 40 wins (17 Ko's), 4 losses and 1 draw stands as a testament to his skills and longevity in the sport. His record showcases numerous wins against top-level competition, with a few losses and draws that only add to the narrative of his challenging career path.