LETTER OF THE WEEK
UNHITTABLE: Whitaker at his peak was one of the greatest pure boxers ever
Photo: ACTION IMAGES/REUTERS
I WAS absolutely devastated to hear of the recent passing of my favourite fighter of all time, Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker. I grew up in the ‘90s when fans raved about the explosive knockouts from the likes of Nigel Benn and Mike Tyson, but for me, give me a Pernell Whitaker fight any day of the week! He was simply beautiful to watch and a master of his trade. He was the definition of the old saying, ‘hit and don’t get hit.’ In my opinion, he just pips Marvin Hagler and Joe Calzaghe as the best southpaw ever. From the Olympic gold medal in 1984 to becoming a fourweight world champion as a pro, he provided a perfect example to any fighter out there of how to defend yourself properly. Pernell was a special, special fighter and will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, champ.