Boxing Legend Pernell Whitaker Sadly Passes Aged 55

Legendary boxing champion Pernell Whitaker has sadly passed away at the age of 55 after being hit by a car in Virginia Beach.

He was hit by a vehicle on Sunday night and later died of his injuries with the city's police department confirming his death on Monday.

"The decedent has been identified as 55-year-old Pernell Whitaker," the statement reads. "This remains an active investigation, no further information is available at this time.

"On Sunday, July 14, 2019, at 10:04 p.m., Emergency Communications received a call for vehicle/pedestrian accident in the intersection of Northampton Boulevard and Baker Road.

"When officers arrived on scene they located an adult male victim who had been hit by a vehicle. The victim succumbed to his injuries on the scene. The driver of the vehicle remained on scene with police.

"This case is still very active. Traffic on Northampton Boulevard westbound has been shutdown. The roadway will be closed for traffic for approximately two hours. Traffic within this area is being rerouted at this time as officers from the department's FACT Team investigate this fatality accident.

"Police are asking you to avoid this area if possible. This case remains under investigation by members of the Fatal Accident Crash Team (FACT). No other information is available at this time. This release will be updated as soon as information becomes available."

The boxing family has mourned the death of the former four-weight world champion. From Eddie Hearn to Floyd Mayweather.

Whitaker won an Olympic gold medal in 1984 and went on to win world titles in four divisions. He's widely considered the greatest lightweight in boxing history.

As a professional, he beat the likes of Diosbelys Hurtado, Julio Cesar Vasquez, Jake Rodriguez, James 'Buddy' McGirt, Rafael Pineta, Harold Brazier, Jorge Paez, Azumah Nelson, Jose Luis Ramirez, Freddie Pendleton, Roger Mayweather, and Greg Hauge

Whitaker also lost a controversial fight to Oscar De La Hoya late in his career,.

Rest in peace, "Sweet Pea".

Topics: Boxing News, Boxing, Eddie Hearn, Fight News, Floyd Mayweather

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Darren Till, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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