Pernell Whitaker was a retired professional boxer and boxing trainer who had a net worth of $250,000 when he died. Known to his supporters as “Sweet Pea,” Whitaker established himself as a defensive maestro during his successful boxing career.
Whitaker gained millions as a professional player, but he later struggled financially. His career spanned from 1984 to 2001. Following his retirement from fighting, he became a boxing trainer.
Who was Pernell Whitaker?
Pernell Whitaker Sr. was born on January 2nd, 1964, in Norfolk, Virginia. Whitaker was raised alongside two siblings and began boxing at the age of nine. He then went on to have an amazing amateur career, competing in 214 contests and winning 201. 91 of these victories came via knockout. He later claimed that he had almost 500 amateur battles before turning professional. Early losses were against Angel Herrera Vera at the 1982 World Championships, but he went on to beat him four more times. Pernell completed his amateur career by earning an Olympic gold medal in 1984, defeating Luiz Ortiz in the process.
How old was Pernell Whitaker?
He was 55 years old when he died.
What was Pernell Whitaker’s net worth?
He was estimated to be worth $250 Thousand.
What was Pernell Whitaker’s career?
Whitaker defeated former world champion Alfredo Layne not long after turning professional. He went on to defeat Roger Mayweather, who was the Super Featherweight and WBC Light Welterweight champion at the time. In 1988, he faced José Luis Ramírez for the WBC Lightweight title, but lost in a disputed split decision. Many boxing experts later described the battle as a “disgrace” and one of the worst in the sport’s history.
Pernell continued to excel, eventually capturing the IBF Lightweight title over Greg Haugen in 1989. Previously, Haugen had never been taken down. Throughout the 1990s, Whitaker defeated numerous title opponents, including Freddie Pendleton, Azuma Nelson, and Juan Nazario. Whitaker defeated the latter fighter to become the first Undisputed Lightweight Champion since Roberto Duran. He also defeated Jorge Paez and Poli Diaz at this time.
Pernell opted to go up a weight class in 1992, challenging and defeating light welterweight champion Rafael Pineda. He subsequently stepped up again, defeating Buddy McGirt to capture the Lineal and WBC Welterweight titles. This prepared Whitaker for a bout against Julio César Chávez, who was largely regarded as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world at the time. The judges ruled the fight a majority draw, similar to his last fight with José Luis Ramírez, causing significant controversy. Several media outlets were confident Whitaker had won.
Whitaker returned to the ring in 1995 against Julio César Vásquez, following a triumphant rematch with McGirt. Despite being knocked down in the early rounds, Pernell cruised to a convincing victory and claimed the super welterweight championship. This earned him four titles in four separate weight divisions, a feat only four other fighters have ever accomplished. Whitaker then returned to welterweight, defeating Gary Jacobs late in the fight to retain his WBC title. He later attempted to repeat the feat against Oscar De La Hoya, but was finally defeated by his opponent, who won a controversial unanimous decision.
Unfortunately, Whitaker’s luck worsened when he failed a drug test following his next fight, therefore negating his victory. In 1999, he lost again to Felix Trinidad. This led to his final bout with Carlos Bojorquez. Pernell finished on a sour note, breaking his collarbone in the fourth round and being forced to leave the fight. He was behind on the scoreboard at this time. Following the fight, Whitaker announced his retirement from the sport. He subsequently went on to train fighters like Dorin Spivey, Joel Julio, Calvin Brock, and Zab Judah.
Source: www.ghgossip.com
