![]() ![]() Pernell Whitaker made his professional debut at Madison Square Garden on the 15th of November, 1984 against Ferrain Comeaux. So he was not exactly an unknown quantity or ‘bolt from the blue’. *Note prior to winning Gold in the 1984 Olympic Games, Pernell Whitaker had won Silver at Lightweight during the World Amateur Championships in Munich in 1982 and Gold similarly at the 1983 Pan American Games. Actually the story goes there was barely enough time to place the medal around Pernell’s neck before he announced his intention to become professional. It was no surprise then that the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, would see Pernell Whitaker easily win the gold medal* with victory over Luis Ortiz. Whitaker proving so popular amongst them that they named him team Captain. As part of preparations for the games Whitaker forged close relationships with some other now well renowned American boxers -Tyrell Biggs, Evander Holyfield, Mark Breland, and Meldrick Taylor. So successful was he, by 1984 Pernell Whitaker had earned the opportunity to represent the United States as a lightweight at the Summer Olympic Games. He became a nationally-ranked amateur boxer and traveled all over the country for bouts against other regional winners. For then “Once you’re tired, I own you,” he concluded.Ī combination of these ‘street smarts’ that were a natural product of his growing up in the tough coastal town of Norfolk, Virginia – finding his way to the local gym at an early age and parents (Raymond and Novella) who provided a stable home life and were supportive of a constructive channel for his energies and talents saw Pernell Whitaker excel. This was what Pernell Whitaker said he learned as a youngster, how to bide his time during those two minutes and how then to close in for the win. He once told Sports Illustrated “that is how long most street fighters Indeed, Whitaker in his own words, credits growing up a ‘scrappy street fighter’ as a big influence on the economic style he honed that would see him take very little damage throughout his entire career A record of 214 fights, 201 wins, with 91 KO’s were his official statistics, yet it is widely regarded that he fought up to 500 times. Given Pernell Whitaker began boxing at the age of nine, it was inevitable he would have a rather extensive amateur career. Pernell Whitaker: Early Life and Amateur Career What was uncommon was the successful way in which Pernell did this the calibre of opponents against whom he did it and his seeming easy in doing so – for it just illustrated how he was the ultimate ring technician and a boxing craftsman’s dream. For defensive fighters to be unattractive to watch is not uncommon. Not considered an engaging fighter to watch by a lot of boxing fans Pernell Whitaker would nevertheless go down in history as one of the greatest defensive boxers of all time. ![]() Indeed Pernell Whitaker’s boxing achievements saw him named ‘Fighter of the Year’ by The Ring magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America in 1989. And held the longest unified lightweight championship reign (to date) in boxing history with six title defences.The lineal lightweight and welterweight champion.During this time ‘Sweet Pea’ as he was known held multiple championships at four different weights: Lightweight, Light welterweight, Welterweight and Light middleweight. was an America professional boxer who competed from 1984 to 2001. 13 Pernell Whitaker: Retirement and Afterwards.12 Pernell Whitaker vs Felix Trinidad (Welterweight).11 Pernell Whitaker: – The career begins to slide.10 Pernell Whitaker vs Oscar De La Hoya.9 Pernell Whitaker: Continues to rise to the top.8 Pernell Whitaker vs Julio Cesar Chavez.6 Pernell Whitaker: Undisputed Lightweight Champion.5 Pernell Whitaker: First world title (Lightweight).4 Pernell Whitaker: First Professional loss.2 Pernell Whitaker: Early Life and Amateur Career. ![]()
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