Floyd Mayweather has named Pernell 'Sweet Pea' Whitaker as the greatest fighter of all time, right after himself. The 50-0 five-weight world champion didn't hesitate when rapper Fat Joe asked him to pick the best ever during a recent interview.
Mayweather's 21-year campaign in the ring saw him beat some of boxing's biggest names. He got the better of Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya, Juan Manuel Marquez, and Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez. His mastery of the shoulder roll let him mix defense and offense like no other.
He called it quits in 2017 after beating UFC star Conor McGregor, but still shows off his skills in exhibition matches now and then.
When Fat Joe asked him to name the best boxer ever, Mayweather said:
"We've got to go Money Mayweather [number one] then we got to go Pernell Whitaker."
Whitaker, known as 'Sweet Pea', was a master of the craft. His slick defense, fancy footwork, and sharp counterpunching made him a nightmare for opponents. He ruled the lightweight division and grabbed titles in four weight classes.
Some of Whitaker's best wins came against Greg Haugen, José Luis RamÃrez, and James 'Buddy' McGirt. He also fought to a controversial draw with Julio César Chávez and lost a close one to Oscar De La Hoya.
Whitaker hung up his gloves in 2001 with a record of 40 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw. The International Boxing Hall of Fame welcomed him in 2006.
Sadly, Whitaker passed away in 2019 at 55 years old after being hit by a car while crossing the street.
Many see Whitaker as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters ever. His style still shapes boxing today. You can see his defensive smarts and counterpunching in many of today's champs, including Gervonta Davis, who used to train with Mayweather.
