This week the world of boxing has been mourning the loss of one of its greatest fighting sons — Pernell Whitaker of Norfolk, Virginia, USA who passed away aged 55.
Whitaker, a four-weight world champion is widely considered to be one of the best fighters of all time.
One of the best defensive boxers that ever lived in the eyes of many within the sport of boxing.
Two of boxing’s modern day pound for pound best (of their respective eras), Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao have now reacted to the sad news.
Mayweather posted the following photo of himself and Whitaker taken together only very recently:
For those who may not have seen Whitaker’s stellar work during his lifetime — the following paints an apt picture of a boxing icon that will be sorely missed.
Rest easy champ:
Gone but without doubt never forgotten.
As for Manny Pacquiao, he returns to work on Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas against Keith Thurman.
Speaking ahead of the fight to Fight Hub TV Manny Pacquiao first paid tribute to the great Pernell ‘Sweet Pea’ Whitaker:
“I’m very sorry to his family. Condolences to his family from the Pacquiao family. Sorry about that. I remember Whitaker. Before I was watching a couple of his fights. Especially the fight with Julio Cesar Chavez senior. His footwork was good. Very good.”
Whitaker held a professional boxing record of 40-4-1 (17KO).
Pacquiao returns to action this weekend live on Fox pay per view against Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman.
On how he’s feeling compared to the Adrien Broner fight which he won last time out back in January, ‘Pacman’ went on to say he believes he’s in a better place now:
“Right now I think we did better than the last fight with Broner. We did a lot. Especially running through the mountains. We started early in the Philippines for the training camp. More exercise in training.”
You can take it that both Pacquiao and Thurman will be looking to put on a show this weekend in memory of one of the best fighters that ever lived — Pernell Whitaker.
Everyone at Boxing News and Views passes our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Pernell Whitaker.
