Retired American boxing champion Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker, a former world title holder in four weight classes, is dead.
According to Virginia Beach police, they responded to an emergency call about a vehicle-pedestrian accident on Sunday night, where Whitaker was identified as the victim and pronounced dead at the scene.
The 55-year-old ex boxer trained fighters for several years after hanging up his gloves, but had in recent times been totally retired from the ring, his agents at Main Events Boxing said.
But Whitaker was still very active, making weekly appearances at either autograph signing shows, speaking engagements and other public events, according to Main Events.
