According to TMZ Sports, boxing legend Pernell Whitaker was killed Sunday night after he was hit by a car in Virginia Beach. He was only 55.
Officials received a call around 10:04 PM in response to an accident at the intersection of Northampton Boulevard and Baker Road.
When cops arrived, they located the man who had been hit by a vehicle who was in really bad shape -- and that man was Pernell Whitaker.
Unfortunately, Whitaker succumbed to his injuries and died.
Cops are investigating. Unclear if the driver of the car was arrested.
Whitaker (who's from Virginia) was a BEAST in the ring ... winning world titles at 4 different weights -- lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight and light middleweight.
Sweet Pea was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2006 -- and is considered by many to be one of the greatest fighters of ALL TIME.
His pro career began in 1984 and spanned all the way through 2001, with an amazing 40-4-1 record including 17 knockouts.
He also won a gold medal at the 1984 Olympics in L.A.