A Mighty Tribute To Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker...
A few weeks back, we lost one of the greatest boxers to ever live, Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker.
He was struck by a car in Virginia Beach, which is shocking to me... since the man was basically un-hittable in his career. This weekend I shall somberly look both ways, and pour one out for a fallen homey.
Now, I've shared a lot of highlight reels in my time here at Fight Smart, because it's a ridiculously easy way to entertain you.
"Here... look at this awesome guy!" Then we 'ooh' and 'aah', and ideally ride that inspiration into the gym.
But Pernell' Whitaker's highlight reel is perhaps the craziest I've ever seen. The moves that he pulled off were remarkable... like dodging 29 of Oscar De La Hoya's punches in a row.
Even Oscar couldn't help but laugh...
Have a look:
This highlight reel is focused mostly on his elusive skills and his Head Movement... which are probably the best in the history of boxing.
This one focuses quite a bit more on his counter punching and knockouts... having finished 17 out of his 40 opponents with a little fist-induced nap time.
But the thing that I will never forget about Pernell Whitaker is his fight against Julio 'Cesar' Chavez... which, despite the spectacular performance, is a stain upon the sport of boxing.
Chaves was 87-0. What?! Eighty Seven wins... zero defeats. Seemingly invincible. And Pernell beat the crap out of him. It wasn't even close.
After 12 rounds and a major emotional investment, the fight was called a 'draw'.
It may have been the worst robbery in the history of championship boxing, and it's singed into my memory. HE was the first guy to beat Chavez, and he earned the right to make that claim.
He still walked out of that ring as the WBC and IBF champion... and anyone who saw the fight, knows who really won.
Pernell was ridiculous, and today, we can all salute him.
Sweet Pea, wherever you are, you have our eternal respect!
We hope you're showing the warrior angels how to bob and weave...
HEY YOU! Have a fantastic weekend!
-Trav