WASHINGTON, July 15 (Xinhua) -- American Olympic boxing champion Pernell Whitaker has died at the age of 55 in a car crash in the U.S. state of Virginia, local police reported today.
The police said that the late boxer was hit by a car on Sunday and added that it was not a hit-and-run accident. Police are still investigating further details of the case.
The 55-year-old was an outstanding defensive fighter with unique and effective style. He is known as "Sweet Pea," because he was extremely good at hitting and avoiding getting hit back. He rarely gave his opponents an opportunity to land a clean shot.
Whitaker once said it was the most beautiful feeling in the world to hit the other guy and not get hit. His longtime promoter Kathy Duva said that while many of Whitaker's former opponents were boxing greats; Whitaker was on every single list of the top ten fighters of all time.
