(Canastota, NY – Feb. 2016) The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced four-division world champion Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker is confirmed to attend festivities planned for the 2016 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend June 9 to 12.
“’Sweet Pea’ Whitaker was a fantastic fighter who thrilled fans with his incredible boxing skills in the ring,” said Hall of Fame director Edward Brophy. “We are so happy he will be in Canastota for the 2016 Hall of Fame Weekend.”
Fighting out of Norfolk, Va., Whitaker captured gold at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. After turning pro at Madison Square Garden, “Sweet Pea” won world titles in four weight divisions – lightweight (IBF / WBC / WBA), junior welterweight (IBF), welterweight (WBC) and junior middleweight (WBA).
During his nearly 17-year career, the pound-for-pound star posted a 40-4-1 (17 KOs) record that includes wins over Roger Mayweather, Greg Haugen, Jose Luis Ramirez, Freddie Pendleton, Jorge Paez, Buddy McGirt, Julio Cesar Vasquez and Azumah Nelson.
Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007, the southpaw Whitaker was known for his quick and evasive ring moves.
Additional Hall of Famers and special guests will be announced in the coming months as the 27th Annual Induction Weekend nears.
For more information on the 2016 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, please call the Hall of Fame at (315) 697-7095 or visit online at www.ibhof.com,
And to add.. A win over Julio Caesar Chavez.