WBC mourns the death of  Pernell Whitaker 

The entire Family of the World Boxing Council and its President Mauricio Sulaiman Saldívar, are deeply saddened by  the death of  ring legend Pernell Whitaker, which occurred Sunday in a traffic accident at Virginia Beach. He was just fifty five.

Pernell, who was a gold medalist at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, is universally considered one of the most brilliantly talented  left-handed fighters of all time.

Pernell built a memorably successful and dazzlingly 17-year career as a professional fighter, setting a record of 40 wins, 17 knockouts, four losses and a draw. He won  world titles in the lightweight, super lightweight, welterweight and super welterweight divisions.

Pernell “Sweetpea” Whitaker faced a superlative roll call of elite fighters, including: José Luis Ramírez, Azumah Nelson, Jorge Paez, Buddy McGirt, Julio Cesar Chavez, Oscar de la Hoya and Felix Trinidad.

In 2007 he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York, alongside champions  Ricardo ‘Finito’ López and Roberto ‘Manos de Piedra’ Duran, trainer Amílcar Brusa, as well as  World Boxing Council Life President Jose Sulaimán.

The entire WBC joins the family of Pernell and his many friends in these very, very sad moments. We’ve lost an all time great, and are now  left with the magical memories of himself and his God given skills.

Goodbye:  “Sweet Pete.”

Rest in peace Dear champion.