Upon hearing the tragic news that Pernell Whitaker died after being struck by a vehicle while crossing the street in Virginia Beach on Sunday, members of the boxing community paid tribute to the legend known as "Sweet Pea."
Here are some of their reactions:
Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Oscar De La Hoya
I'm deeply saddened by the loss of this great champion, who gave a tremendous amount of joy to those who watched him. #PernellWhitaker pic.twitter.com/IZv3IQOo2f
— Oscar De La Hoya (@OscarDeLaHoya) July 15, 2019
It was an honor to share the ring with him. In terms of his defense and ring generalship, Pernell Whitaker was the best fighter that I ever fought. On behalf of everyone at Golden Boy, we send our prayers and condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/sa4qZIDIIG
— Oscar De La Hoya (@OscarDeLaHoya) July 15, 2019
Mike Tyson
I’m truly lost for words to hear Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker is no longer with us. He was a flawless fighter. Condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/pZZEceN7h2
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) July 15, 2019
Magic Johnson
One of the greatest boxers of my lifetime and my good friend Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker passed away last night. During his long and successful career I never missed one of his fights. To me, he was one of the top five greatest boxers ever!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 15, 2019
Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker was in the class of Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard as one of the most entertaining fighters in my lifetime. I’m praying for his family during this difficult time. Rest in Peace my friend. 🙏🏾
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 15, 2019
Terence Crawford
Wow I can’t believe this!!! Somebody that I’ve always loved to watch and wanted to meet so bad and now it will never happen. SMH RIP SWEET PEA you will for ever be one of the greatest to ever lace em up.
— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) July 15, 2019
Gervonta Davis
Rest easy, Sweet pea. 💜
— Gervonta Davis (@Gervontaa) July 15, 2019
Evander Holyfield
I am saddened to learn of my good friend and Olympic teammate Pernell Whitaker's untimely passing last night.
— Evander Holyfield (@holyfield) July 15, 2019
We share so many great memories. He was small in statue but yet so big in heart and skills inside the ring, there will never be another like him, he will truly be missed pic.twitter.com/IqmXkqpqkG
Teofimo Lopez
May you Rest In Peace.. Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker! Thank you for inspiring me and all the future champions to do the sport that we love. #GoneButNeverForgotten
— Teofimo Lopez (@TeofimoLopez) July 15, 2019
Claressa Shields
RIP to Sweet Pea Aka Pernell Whitaker
— ClaressaT-rexShields (@Claressashields) July 15, 2019
Eddie Hearn
Rest in eternal peace Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker - IMO the greatest defensive fighter of all time 🙏 pic.twitter.com/55KnItMmSq
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) July 15, 2019
Lou DiBella
Oh no, no, no... Sweet Pea was one of the greatest fighters to ever lace up gloves. Waking up to this news just has me GUTTED. #Boxing has lost one of its best and I’ve lost a friend. Loved him. No matter what he was going through, Pete had a great heart. #ripsweetpea pic.twitter.com/un90hPmIO6
— Lou DiBella (@loudibella) July 15, 2019
Max Kellerman
On my NY public access TV show “Max on Boxing” (1989-1998), I talked Pernell Whitaker more than any other fighter; it was basically the Pernell Whitaker show. He was the pound for pound best for half a decade, and one of the 3 greatest pure boxers who ever lived. RIP Sweet Pea.
— Max Kellerman (@maxkellerman) July 15, 2019
Pernell Whitaker - Can't Be Touched https://t.co/VlhdiThsAt via @YouTube
— Max Kellerman (@maxkellerman) July 15, 2019
Andreas Hale
The thing about Sweet Pea was that he was the antithesis of Mike Tyson in the boxing ring. Where Tyson was a savage wrecking ball, Whitaker was smooth and an untouchable thief in the night.
— Andreas Hale (@AndreasHale) July 15, 2019
“I’m a scientist now, I’m not a boxer.”
RIP Pernell ‘Sweet Pea’ Whitaker pic.twitter.com/JKj4yoFKiC
Mauricio Sulaiman
We have just received the sad news informing us that Pernell Whitaker has passed.
— Mauricio Sulaiman (@wbcmoro) July 15, 2019
"Sweet Pea" was one of the most brilliant boxers in the past decades and he was always a great friend of the WBC.
We are deeply saddened with this new; May the legend rest in eternal peace. pic.twitter.com/Zsgqa66FKF
Ashley Theophane
When Pernell Whitaker was world champion from lightweight to light middleweight, he was something special. In my Top 2 fave fighters. I could watch hours and hours of him. Glad I got to sit next to him at the Ward v Kovalev fight in Las Vegas. R.I.P. 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/56T1ueHiLh
— Ashley Theophane (@AshleyTheophane) July 15, 2019
Sergio Mora
So Sad. #RipSweetPea 🙏🏼🥊 https://t.co/TSzFcf5d5Y
— Sergio Mora (@TheLatinSnake_) July 15, 2019
Frank Warren
Very sad to hear the news about Pernell Whitaker today.
— Frank Warren (@frankwarren_tv) July 15, 2019
RIP Champ. pic.twitter.com/gqf41jo6IO
Van Lathan
This man was one of the greatest boxers ever to lace up gloves, loved watching him growing, defensive savant and as brave as they come. This is insanely sad. https://t.co/OzPUCeBmgK
— VanLathan (@VanLathan) July 15, 2019