Los Angeles (AFP)
The American boxer Pernell Whitaker, Olympic champion in 1984 and the world in four different categories, died in a road accident in Virginia (United States), confirmed Monday the local police in a statement.
The 55-year-old American died after being hit by a car on Sunday in Virginia Beach. Pernell Whitaker succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the accident, the police said.
Nicknamed affectionately "sweet pea", he was considered one of the most talented boxers of his generation. He won the Olympic Lightweight title at the 1984 Los Angeles Games.
He played 46 professional fights for a record of 40 wins, including 17 before the limit, four defeats, a draw and a no contest.
Whitaker has won world belts in lightweight, super light, welterweight and super welterweight. He was named boxer of the year by Ring magazine in 1989.
One of the highlights of his career will also remain his controversial fight against Mexican legend Julio Cesar Chavez in San Antonio, Texas in 1993.
After a fierce fight, all the experts thought that Whitaker would win the fight. But the judges then declared a tie between the two men.
He retired in April 2001 after defeating Carlos Bojorquez.
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