Yesterday, scores of boxing fans remembered Pernell Whitaker. He would have turned sixty yesterday. Though it’s been over four years since he left the world, ‘Sweet Pea’ is still badly missed by boxing die-hards.

Tributes have been pouring in from all over the boxing world. An outstanding amateur career saw him win a silver medal at the Munich World Championships in 1982. Two years later, he won a gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympics. The same year, he switched to professional boxing. Five years later, after his first attempt came a cropper, he became a world champion. Eventually, he went on to become a champion in four divisions, which included an undisputed title as well. The post-retirement years saw him become a trainer.

The boxing world looks back on a ‘Sweet Pea’

One after the other, some of the biggest names in boxing joined as they remembered the boxing legend. Almost everyone had one common thing to say about him: he was among the best.

Boxing History shared a picture of the great boxer and mentioned how, after winning the 1984 Olympic gold medal, ‘Sweet Pea’ ruled across the divisions during the 1980s and 1990s. They mentioned him as one of the greatest defensive pugilists of all time.

Ace boxing promoter Lou DiBella was one of the first to express how much he and many others missed Pernell Whitaker.

The legendary boxing writer shared a photograph of himself standing alongside Pernell Whitaker, commentator Larry Merchant, and boxing writer and biographer Thomas Hauser. It was taken in 2016 during the first Andre Ward–Sergey Kovalev fight at the T-Mobile Arena. Rafael just couldn’t forget the wonderful time and the boxing discussion they all had.

One of the users highlighted that they went to the same boxing gym where Pernell Whitaker trained. A family friend, they recalled him as a humble person who was also exceptionally gifted.

Finally, while lauding the post, this follower mentioned that Pernell Whitaker was one of the best. He was nimble-witted and had pinpoint accuracy in the ring.

Quite a few followers highlighted the infamous outcomes of his bouts against Julio Cesar Chavez and Oscar De La Hoya. Though he’s no longer there, many still take time to ponder how a fight between him and another defensive genius, Floyd Mayweather Jr., would have panned out.

Pernell Whitaker: A boxer extraordinaire

Pernell Whitaker Sr. was born on January 2, 1964, in Norfolk, Virginia. Known for his extraordinary defensive skills, he amassed an amateur record of 201 wins against 14 losses. 91 of his wins came via knockouts. As far as his professional career goes, he participated in 46 fights, winning 40, suffering a loss in 4, and remaining split between a draw and a no contest. Out of his 40 victories, 17 came through early stoppages. Sadly, the boxer-turned-trainer, ranked tenth among the greatest boxers of all time by the Ring, passed away on July 14, 2019, after a vehicle hit him.

Read More: Renowned Promoter Relives the “Worst, Most Egregious” Robbery on the 30th Anniversary of Legendary Julio Cesar Chavez vs. Pernell Whitaker Fight

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