Evander Holyfield on Pernell Whitaker: Remembering the Champion and the Man At 62, Evander Holyfield reflects not just on his own legacy, but on his friendship with the late Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker—one of boxing’s most brilliant defensive fighters. They met at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, training side by side despite different weight classes. Whitaker won gold; Holyfield’s run ended in a controversial disqualification—but Whitaker was among the first to console him. That bond lasted through their storied careers: Holyfield as a four-time heavyweight champion, Whitaker as a four-division titleholder who faced legends like Julio César Chávez. Over time, Holyfield noticed Whitaker pulling away—a reminder that success in the ring doesn’t shield athletes from private battles. After retirement, Whitaker faced financial and personal challenges, struggles Holyfield says are common when “the cheering stops.” Whitaker died in 2019 at just 55. For Holyfield, the loss underscored the need to support fighters long after their careers end. “Pernell was one of the greatest ever,” Holyfield says. “We honor him by remembering the champion—and the man.”