Pernell Whitaker
One of the hardest fighters ever to hit cleanly.
- Born
- January 2, 1964, Norfolk, Virginia, US
- Died
- July 14, 2019 (aged 55)
- Nationality
United States- Height
- 168 cm (5′6″)
- Reach
- 175 cm (5′9″)
- Stance
- Southpaw
- Style
- Defensive counterpuncher
- Weight
- Lightweight, Light welterweight, Welterweight, Light middleweight
- Active
- 1984–2001
The record
Professional; matches IBHOF record
1984 Olympic gold (lightweight); 1982 world championships silver
The story
ernell 'Sweet Pea' Whitaker of Norfolk, Virginia, won 201 of 214 amateur bouts and capped that run with Olympic lightweight gold in 1984. As a pro he lost a disputed split decision to José Luis Ramírez in his first title shot, then won the IBF lightweight belt in 1989, took the WBC title from Ramírez later that year and in 1990 became the first undisputed lightweight champion since Roberto Durán. He went on to win titles at light welterweight, welterweight and light middleweight. His 1993 fight with the unbeaten Julio César Chávez was scored a majority draw, a verdict many disputed. The Ring named him Fighter of the Year for 1989. After retiring he worked as a trainer. He died in 2019.
Tap a technique with an arrow to learn how it works.
- Undisputed lightweight champion (1990)
- IBF light welterweight champion (1992)
- WBC welterweight champion (1993–1997)
- WBA light middleweight champion (1995)
- International Boxing Hall of Fame (2007)
- The Ring and BWAA Fighter of the Year (1989)
Defining fights
- 1988LOSSvs José Luis Ramírez (SD 12, first title shot)
- 1989WINvs José Luis Ramírez (UD 12, won WBC lightweight title)
- 1990WINvs Juan Nazario (KO 1, undisputed lightweight title)
- 1993WINvs James McGirt (UD 12, won WBC welterweight title)
- 1993DRAWvs Julio César Chávez (MD 12)
Make defence your offence: Whitaker used the shoulder roll and upper-body movement, sometimes with his hands low, to make opponents miss, then countered straight away. Drill slip-and-return counters off the jab until they are automatic.
2002–now