I live in Hampton Roads, Va, and would see Pea out regularly. He was one of my favorite fighters growing up so I would always make a point to go shake his hand and talk boxing with him. I’m a nobody, and Pernell never once acted too good, or disturbed/annoyed, and would always take the time to talk to me and whoever I was with. Such a great and humble guy.

I don’t want to turn this into a who was greater post, but I have to say that from my perspective, Pea was the best of his generation (and I realize that is a strong and biased comment). Think of how confident and great he was to move up from 135 to 140 to force the undefeated and great Chavez to fight him (winning a title from a murderous punching Pineda), and then moving up AGAIN to 147 to beat P4P #3 Buddy Mcgirt (behind Chavez and Sweet Pea) to make it happen. He then boxes circles around Chavez, and goes up in weight to fight one of the top two guys at 154 (Terry Norris was likely #1) to win a title. Pure greatness and he was brilliant in the ring.

R.I.P. champ.