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American boxing legend Parnell Whitaker has passed away after he was hit by a car in Virginia Beach.

Ghanaians boxing fans can well relate to Parnell Whitaker because he defeated Ghanaian boxing legend Azumah Nelson who is rated the greatest African boxer of all-time by unanimous decision in 1990 to claim the WBC & IBF Lightweight titles.

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According to TMZ Sports, “we’re told officials received a call around 10:04 M in response to an accident at the intersection of Northampton Boulevard and Baker Road. 

“When cops arrived, they located the man who had been hit by a vehicle who was in really bad shape — and our sources tell us that man was Pernell Whitaker.

“Emergency medical personnel at the scene tried to resuscitate Whitaker — even performing CPR on him — but unfortunately, Whitaker succumbed to his injuries and died.

“Cops are investigating. Unclear if the driver of the car was arrested but he did stay on the scene to speak with police. It’s NOT a hit and run situation.

“By the way, we’re told the are where Pernell was hit is not a popular nightlife area — in other words, it’s not like he was out partying.

Whitaker who’s from Virginia was a beast in the ring … winning world titles at 4 different weights — lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight and light middleweight.

Sweet Pea was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2006 — and is considered by many to be one of the greatest fighters of ALL TIME.

Whitaker was world-renowned for his defensive capabilities inside the ring. Only recently rivaled by Floyd Mayweather in the present day.

Whitaker and Mayweather
Whitaker and Mayweather

Turing from in 1984 following a gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympics, Whitaker shone throughout his tenure in the sport. Taking top spot in arguably the best Olympic squad of all time, featuring the likes of Evander Holyfield, Mark Breland and Meldrick Taylor, Whitaker was an ace in the pack.

Not known for his chin initially, having been down three times in his career before his first world title shot, Whitaker lost for the first time to Jose Luis Ramirez in 1988. Dusting himself down, the Virginia man came again. He then went undefeated for the next nine years.

Claiming the IBF lightweight strap in 1989, Whitaker would eventually become undisputed. Reigning supreme until 1991, Whitaker then moved up to 140. Winning the world championship in his first attempt, the big money was at welterweight.

That’s where Whitaker headed in 1993. A triumph over WBC ruler James ‘Buddy’ McGirt followed. Whitaker then took on Julio Cesar Chavez in 1993. Chavez was 87-0 at the time. Inflicting the first blemish (a draw) on the legendary Mexican, Whitaker claimed the super-welterweight version in 1995.

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