NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – When WAVY News 10’s Chris Reckling learned of local boxing champion Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker’s death on July 14, he reflected back on an on-camera moment the two shared decades ago.
When Reckling was a sports reporter for WAVY, he got the opportunity to step into the boxing ring with Whitaker for a Children’s Hospital of the Kings Daughters charitable event. The event in the mid 90s was held at the Norfolk Scope, in Whitaker’s hometown, and was a full card of professional boxing.
Reckling is proud to say he went two minutes toe-to-toe with the champ.
