VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — It's been four days since Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker was killed crossing the street in Virginia Beach.
Since then, numerous people in the community have shared their stories about the boxing champion.
But, nowhere else is his memory as well-loved and cherished than his home gym in Virginia Beach, owned by his nephew.
"This is the heartbeat. This is where it really started, at and this is his real family," said Donald Bryant, his nephew.
He's one of the owners. His plan is to always keep Sweet Pea alive in that building.
"PowerHouse Boxing and Kickboxing is to carry on his legacy," said Bryant.
Whether the boxing legend realized it or not, he started that work himself, and it showed Wednesday, when one by one, kids stepped forward to speak about the endless hours Whitaker spent with them.
"I thank him for letting me train with him," one child said in front of the crowd.
It's that kind of impact he had on people that Dontavious Whitaker, Sweet Pea's son, thinks drew people to him.
"The name is always going to be there. The legend is the legend, and we're always going to carry the legacy," said Dontavious.