Former four-weight world champion Pernell Whitaker has died aged 55 after being hit by a car.
The US boxing legend, known as Sweet Pea during his career, was struck at a junction in Virginia Beach late on Sunday.
Virginia Beach Police officers were called to reports of a collision between a vehicle and pedestrian shortly after 10pm local time (Monday, 03am GMT), the force said in a statement.
Whitaker succumbed to his injuries at the scene, it added.
The driver remained at the scene with officers.
Tributes to Whitaker have poured in from the boxing community following news of his death.
Former world champion Frank Bruno tweeted: “So sorry to hear of the passing of a defensive genius and one of the all time greats, Pernell Whittaker. May he rest in peace. My thoughts are with his family & close ones. #sweetpea”
Barry McGuigan, the ex-WBA and lineal featherweight world champion, wrote: “What shocking news Pernell Whitaker has died after being hit by a car. RIP Champ, deepest sympathies to his family.”
Floyd Mayweather shared a photo of the pair as he paid emotional tribute to Whitaker.
"R I P champ, one of the best fighters to ever do it," he wrote. " This photo was taken 7/13/19."
Promoter Eddie Hearn tweeted: "Rest in eternal peace Pernell 'Sweet Pea' Whitaker - in my opinion the greatest defensive fighter of all time."
Police said an active investigation is under way, adding that no further information was currently available.
Whitaker was a four-weight world champion, having won titles at lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight and light middleweight.
He is regarded as one of the greatest defensive boxers of all-time.
The star won a gold medal in the lightweight division at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.
