Pernell Whitaker Net Worth - Pulptastic

What was Pernell Whitaker’s Net Worth?

Pernell Whitaker, known as “Sweet Pea,” was a retired professional boxer and trainer who had a net worth of $250,000 at the time of his death. He established himself as a defensive master during his successful boxing career, which lasted from 1984 until 2001. After retiring, he became a boxing trainer.

Whitaker won titles in four weight classes and was once the undisputed lightweight champion. He also held lineal lightweight and welterweight titles and won the Fighter of the Year award in 1989. He is considered one of the top 10 fighters within the past 80 years and had the longest unified lightweight championship reign. In 2006, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Despite earning millions during his time as a professional athlete, Whitaker experienced significant financial issues. He passed away in 2019 after a pedestrian traffic accident.

Pernell Whitaker’s Boxing Career

Pernell Whitaker Sr. was born on January 2nd, 1964 in Norfolk, Virginia. He began boxing at the age of nine and went on to have an impressive amateur career, winning 201 out of 214 fights, with 91 of those wins by knockout. Whitaker suffered early losses, including one against Angel Herrera Vera at the World Championships in 1982, but he later beat Vera four other times. He ended his amateur career by winning an Olympic gold medal in 1984, defeating Luiz Ortiz in the process.

Pernell Whitaker’s Boxing Career

Pernell Whitaker started his professional boxing career by defeating former world champion Alfredo Layne and went on to defeat Roger Mayweather, who held the Super Featherweight and WBC Light Welterweight titles at the time. In 1988, he suffered his first defeat in a highly controversial split decision against José Luis Ramírez for the WBC Lightweight title.

Whitaker won the IBF Lightweight title in 1989 by defeating Greg Haugen, who had never been knocked down before. Throughout the 90s, he defeated numerous title challengers, including Freddie Pendleton, Azuma Nelson, Juan Nazario, Jorge Paez, and Poli Diaz. He became the first Undisputed Lightweight Champion since Roberto Duran after defeating Juan Nazario.

Pernell moved up a weight class and won against Rafael Pineda and Buddy McGirt to claim the Lineal and WBC Welterweight titles. He fought Julio César Chávez, which ended in controversy when it was called a majority draw. Whitaker won the super welterweight title by defeating Julio César Vásquez after being knocked down in the early rounds. He then defended his WBC belt against Gary Jacobs and attempted to repeat the feat against Oscar De La Hoya but ultimately lost in a disputed unanimous decision.

Whitaker failed a drug test after his next fight, which negated his win. He lost again against Felix Trinidad in 1999, leading to his final fight against Carlos Bojorquez. Unfortunately, he broke his clavicle in the fourth round and was forced to exit the fight while trailing on the scorecards. Whitaker retired from boxing and went on to train various fighters, including Dorin Spivey, Joel Julio, Calvin Brock, and Zab Judah.

Whitaker’s Exceptional Defense and Offensive Strategy

Pernell Whitaker was known for his exceptional defensive skills, particularly his ability to counterpunch as a southpaw. Although he lacked significant knockout power, his elusive style allowed him to completely avoid his opponents while consistently scoring strikes with a strong overall offensive strategy.

Conviction for Cocaine Possession

In 2002, Pernell Whitaker was convicted of cocaine possession. He had violated the terms of a previous prison sentence, having overdosed on cocaine earlier that year.

Pernell Whitaker Evicts Mother Over Financial Issues

In 2014, Pernell Whitaker successfully evicted his mother after a long court battle. He needed to sell the home that his mother was living in to access $150,000 of equity, which he planned to use to pay off $18,000 in unpaid taxes on the building. Whitaker had given the house to his mother almost 30 years prior when he purchased the Virginia residence in 1984. The home was worth $400,000 at the time of the report.

Pernell Whitaker Struck and Killed by Vehicle in Virginia Beach

Pernell Whitaker, former professional boxer and Olympic gold medalist, was tragically killed on July 14th, 2019 at the age of 55. According to reports, he was crossing the road in Virginia Beach at 10 PM when he was struck by a vehicle.

Whitaker was a celebrated athlete, known for his impressive boxing career which included four world championships and an Olympic gold medal in 1984. He retired from boxing in 2001 with a record of 40 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw.

Whitaker’s death was mourned by many in the sports community, with fellow boxers and fans expressing their condolences and sharing memories of his remarkable career.

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