Ghana’s celebrated WBC International Judge Ataa Eddie Pappoe has added his voice to the many tributes that have poured in for Hall of Fame inductee, Pernell Whitaker following his death on Monday. 

The Ghanaian boxing judge, in an interview with Joy Sports, described Whitaker as one of the most “illusive defensive boxers he had ever seen on the planet in his four-decade experience”

He recalled meeting the Hall of Fame Champion in Atlantic City in 1995 during Ike Quartey’s bout Jung Oh Park. ‘’He was cool and collected’’ Judge Pappoe told Joy Sports. The legendary Ghanaian judge was full of praise for Whitaker whom he described as a boxer who brought uniqueness of craft into the ring during his heyday.

Nicknamed “Sweet Pea” the boxer was an artist at dishing out hits and not getting hit back, often known for his defensive wizardry. His rare and effective defensive fighting style helped him finish his career with a record of 40 wins four losses and a draw, with 17 KO’s. 

Pernell Whitaker a four-time former division champion and Olympic Gold Medallist fought professionally for a period of 17 years being a champion in each weight class. In the Year 1984, Whitaker triumphed as he claimed the gold medal at the Olympics hosted in Los Angeles where he would then go on to make his professional debut on national television later on that year.

Despite his success, Whittaker's latter career was clouded with controversial moments: In 1997 his win was overturned after Whittaker tested positively for cocaine, and he then served two years in prison on a drug possession charge after his final fight in 2001.

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