NORFOLK, Va. — Scores of mourners lined up at Norfolk’s Scope Arena to say goodbye to a boxing champion.
“Sweet Pea was one of a kind. He was a living legend,” William Baker said.
Fans of Norfolk’s own Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker said he was one of the best.
“Great defensive guy he was," long-time fan Oswald Woodies said. "He could rat-a-tat-tat, step back, come hit you again. So it’s a great legacy. A great legacy. He’ll definitely be missed."
Whitaker — a four-weight world champion and an Olympic gold medalist — was considered one of the best lightweight boxers of his time.
He died Sunday night at the age of 55, after he was hit by car in Virginia Beach.
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“I’ve been knowing Sweet Pea since we were little kids," said Sabrina Kirkland.
She was among dozens of mourners at his viewing. She said she grew up with Whitaker, and their fathers played on the same baseball team.
“He has really put our city on the map. As far as him winning a gold medal and having the first fight here in Virginia,” she said.
Whitaker’s decision to fight and train in his home state is something fans said stands out.
“I always respected him because he chose to stay here," Woodies said. "He could have went to Vegas, made a lot more money, he brought the fights here. You just can’t beat that.”
Woodies said he’s been to some of Whitaker’s most exciting matches.
“Mayweather, McGirt – I mean the fans were going crazy. It was just amazing. Wonderful. Great fighting,” he said.
Whitaker was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2006.