Boxing: 'Sweet Pea' Whitaker leaves hospital

Former world boxing champion Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker, who has a history of drug problems, has been discharged from hospital, a Virginia Beach General Hospital spokeswoman said yesterday.

The Newport News Daily Press reported that Whitaker was taken to the hospital on Tuesday, the day after he lost a comeback fight.

The 37-year-old Whitaker, once acclaimed as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, injured his shoulder during his loss to Carlos Bojorquez and the fight was stopped in the fourth round.

Whitaker, who captured six titles in four weight classes, entered a drug and alcohol rehabilitation programme in 1998.