Mike Tyson, Azumah Nelson and other boxing greats are extending the heartfelt condolences to the deceased former boxer Pernell Whitaker of Norfolk, Virginia, USA who passed away aged 55 after being hit by a car.
“I’m truly lost for words to hear Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker is no longer with us. He was a flawless fighter. Condolences to his family.” Mike Tyson
“one of the best fighters to ever do it” on Instragram when the news of Whitaker’s death broke, beginning his post with “RIP champ”. Floyd Mayweather Jr.
“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. On behalf of everyone at Golden Boy, we send our prayers and condolences to his family and friends.” Oscar Dela Hoya.
“I am saddened to learn of my good friend and Olympic teammate Pernell Whitaker’s untimely passing last night.
We share so many great memories. He was small in statue but yet so big in heart and skills inside the ring, there will never be another like him, he will truly be missed” Evander Holyfield
“I’m very sorry to his family. Condolences to his family from the Pacquiao family. Sorry about that. I remember Whitaker. Before I was watching a couple of his fights. Especially the fight with Julio Cesar Chavez senior. His footwork was good. Very good.” Manny Pacquiao.
Professor of boxing. Ghana’s Azumah Nelson also paid tribute to the once great son of boxing Pennel Whitaker
“I have just learnt with deep sadness the sudden demise of boxing Hall of Famer Pernell “Sweat Pea” Whitaker through a car accident and I can only imagine what his family is going through now. May God be their comforter in these difficult moments.
“My heart goes out to the family and fans of this skillful and talented retired boxer who I had the privilege of fighting at a point during my career. I lost to him after an exciting 12 rounds by a unanimous decision in the Lightweight division. I admired his respect for me after the decision was announced and how highly he referenced me in several media interviews. I was glad when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame two (2) years after my induction.
With a highly admirable boxing career, Pernell delighted boxing fans around the world with his swift movement and foot works.
“The boxing fraternity has lost a great family member, his family has indeed lost a great dad and boxing fans will surely miss him”.
The self styled Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker, considered one of the greatest lightweight boxers of all time chalked 40 career victories, four defeats and one draw and 17 of the victories was by way of KOs