Former boxing champion Pernell 'Sweet Pea' Whitaker has died after being hit by a vehicle in the US.

The 55‑year‑old, who won gold at the Olympics in 1984, was regarded as one of the greatest defensive fighters ever.

Whitaker was a world champion in four divisions ‑ WBC lightweight, IBF light welterweight, WBC welterweight and WBA light middleweight.

The American retired in 2001 before working as a trainer.

He fought as a professional 46 times, winning 40 of those fights ‑ 17 by knockout.

Source: BBC