I first heard of Pernell Whitaker not long after he won the gold. This was the first summer I didn't follow the Olympics for some reason. I remember hearing he could stand in his opponents face toe-toe, with his hands down, and they couldn't hit him, instead they'd be the one getting peppered.
I had the privilege of meeting one of Pernells cousins three years ago down here in Atlanta at one of the 55-plus facilities. It's ironic he was 55, the same age as Pernell was when he was killed, which means he is probably 58 now. We were in the lobby filling out our applications. I was still too young to qualify, and was just there for the walk-thru. Believe me when I say this, but in all my 13 years living in the Atlanta metro, this is the first and only brother I hit it off with so well. He told me he had leukemia, but he didn't look sick. I hope he's still okay. He was from Philly, and we both shared our experiences dealing with the culture shock. It was like we've known each other since high school. We shared the same experiences of our kindness being taken for weakness, then having to put brothers in check. Then he told me he was Pernell Whitakers cousin, and he used to box, and actually gave a few cats in the streets of Atlanta the works for talking smack to him without even knowing him. I almost told him I was a cousin to Sugar Ray Leonard, but I didn't. Sometimes it's not cool to tell a person who boxes, or used to box, that you're kin to a boxing legend, especially one like Ray, who was known as having a baby-face, and well liked by the women.
When I heard Pernell was killed, I couldn't help but think about his cousin I met, who I almost forgot was his cousin. I heard Pernell had some demons, but his cousin made it look like they came from a humble family, and he probably did.
Rest in peace Pernell, you will never be forget.
Thanks, same to you. I almost forgot how many other good fighters Whitaker actually fought. I too was very disappointing when he only got a draw against Chavez. Even the ones who bet against him that night said he was robbed.Great post. I plan to tag you into something really good later be out for it.