Caymanian boxing legend Charles ‘Killa’ Whittaker will be inducted into the prestigious Florida Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2025, the organisers announced on Saturday, 4 Jan., in Fort Myers.
“First of all, I’d like to thank God … [and] I just wanna thank everybody,” Whittaker said in a video taken at the SJC Boxing Gym on his upcoming induction into the Hall of Fame.
Whittaker, a boxing pioneer in the Cayman Islands, demonstrated dedication and heart throughout his illustrious professional career where he fought 59 bouts, winning several different belts including the WBA FEDECARIB light middleweight title, IBO Inter-Continental super-welter title and WBO NABO super-welter title, which he defended.
He journeyed from humble beginnings growing up in West Bay to become not only the greatest Caymanian boxer ever but also one of the best out of Florida, where Whittaker’s career skyrocketed after making that state his home.
The Florida Boxing Hall of Fame recognises athletes who have made a significant impact in the sport of boxing. Whittaker’s inclusion into the 2025 class is testament to his achievements over his decades-long career that began in 1993.
“One of the things I have learnt, [is] that sometimes in life, we work hard, we commit ourselves, we dedicate ourselves to something, and our commitment and dedication will take us [to] stages and places and there’s not much [else] … to be said, for the stage that we stand on speaks for us and this is one of those moments for me.
“Thank you for those of you who saw me as worthy as being inducted into the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame,” Whittaker added.
One of those people who played a major role in Whittaker’s career is his long-time coach, Norman Wilson, who led Whittaker on a six-year unbeaten streak despite a lack of support from the sport’s then administrators in Cayman.
“I was very impressed, and I was wondering what took so long for him to get inducted into the hall of fame,” coach Wilson told the Compass. “The funniest thing is, that the same week I heard they were going to have other inductees, and I said when they going to induct Charles because he done been through the ringer, and sure enough he called me and said, ‘Norman, they gonna induct me into the hall of fame.’ I’m very impressed and it’s well deserved.”
Among the many persons who paid tribute to Whittaker following the news of his induction was Alva Suckoo, president of the Cayman Islands Elite Boxing Federation and Minister for Sports Isaac Rankine.
“Charles’ induction into the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to his exceptional career,” Suckoo said in a press release. “We celebrate this milestone with him and look forward to continuing to build on the foundation he has laid for boxing in the Cayman Islands.”
Echoing Suckoo’s sentiments, Rankine offered his congratulations in a ministry Facebook post.
“This prestigious recognition celebrates Whittaker’s remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport of boxing,” Rankine said. “With a lengthy career and a legacy as one of Cayman’s most distinguished boxers, his perseverance has brought pride to the Cayman Islands in his sport.
“I know this accomplishment will serve as an inspiration to aspiring Caymanian athletes in boxing but [also] in other sports.”
The induction ceremony is scheduled to take place at the St. Petersburg Hilton Lake Carillon on 20 June.
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