RIP Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker

oh my bad. should have googled. that was the first thing that came to my head. another legendary figher gone too soon.

 

One of my favorite fighters ever and someone I rank in the top 20 all time pound for pound which is incredible given the fact he didn't even have 50 pro fights (usually the elite ATG's had a lot more pro bouts than the more modern era fighters.)

If he possessed a little bit more power, especially at 147, than we might be talking about a top 5 fighter ever. The guy was seriously that good from a technical standpoint. It was shocking at times how he made good-great fighters look so amateurish in the ring with him. He had some of the best footwork I'd ever seen. He was usually leagues above the competition which made him showboat probably a bit more than I would've liked to seen him do but that was part of watching the entertainer known as Sweet pea.

Easily one of the greatest defensive fighters ever and someone who i think has become underrated since retiring. An elite ATG and a very dominant fighter especially at 135 lbs. I rank Benny Leonard and Roberto Duran as the greatest 135 lb fighters but have no issue saying Pea could beat both of those guys at 135 in a one off.

 

The sensational Pernell ''Sweet Pea'' Whitaker. The best I've ever seen. I still can't believe it. Was hoping my friend had false information when first heard. Bless his soul. RIP.

 

What a tragic loss. RIP Sweet Pea.

 

RIP Pernell Whitaker. He was a sensation to watch. To watch him clown Delahoya in his prime was a joy. A true ATG.

 

RIP

p4p king of the 90s

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The decision in that fight still bothers me, a complete and utter disgrace that deprived an all-time great of a truly career defining triumph. Whitaker deserved better.

 

Oh my dear god. If not for the rip-offs against Chavez and De La Hoya, this man would be a contender for best ever. RIP, sir. We loved you.

 

I don't understand this line of thinking, if you think he got jobbed (as do I) there's nothing preventing you from giving him credit for those victories and think he's one of the best ever. Why treat three corrupt assholes' opinions as some kind of gospel? At the end of the day, even if it's "official", it's still just three opinions and bad ones at that.

 

Last saw him IBHOF 2011? Was told he doesn't take pictures. He was at the end of the bar watching NBA finals. But since I had my share of liquid courage, I stumbled over & hollered " Sweet Pea! Man we grew up in same era - New Jack City, Bobby Brown, Janet Jackson Control, can I get a pic with Mr. Dipsy do?" (my drunk ass started bobbing ,bending down like I was doing it)
He smiled, and did something to this day I'm blowed away. We were face to face... Next second he grabbed me by my waist. Damn! WE WERE side by side!!!!
Now I know how he was able to spin boxers so easily.
Rarely do I show that photo because I'm smiling like a kid with a new bike on Xmas morning!
Looked like I was told I won a million dollars!!

Being spun in a nano second, @ 6'0 180lbs by that little dude. Damn I'm grateful for that moment. I pray he didn't endure much pain. RIP

 

RIP champ. Defensive genius.

 

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My favorite (P) fight.

Pernell hadn't become a defensive wizard yet, so he actually sat down on his punches against Roger Mayweather. Exchanged shots & got the better.

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Because some greatness is made in the realm of public opinion. In my mind, Sweet Pea might have been the best ever. But he will never be mentioned in the same breath as Ali or Robinson on an ESPN retrospective.

It is sad but true. 80-90% of the boxing community think Fury beat Wilder, which, given his past upset of Klitschko, would have immediately elevated him to potential great. It just didn't come off that way and history will not give him the credit.

Which is why bad decisions are truly criminal.