UPDATE 2/14/13
PIKE COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) -- We’re learning more about the driver killed in that horrific traffic accident in Floyd County on Tuesday.

Kentucky State Police say 62-year-old Mayfield Pennington's Corvette was hit by a tractor trailer Tuesday on U.S. 23 in Floyd County.

Pennington was a former boxer from Pikeville who once trained alongside Muhammad Ali.

Friends say he was a gentle giant who will be greatly missed.
Wednesday at Mayfield's Boxing Gym was a day of remembrance.

"I remember being in the ring with him every day," said Dillon Robinson.

"This place means a lot to me because every time I fought Mayfield he always told me, hands up," said Juan Cortez.

It is clear the impact Pennington made on so many lives through years of training and teaching.

"He gave everyone a chance to learn something. Not just boxing as a whole but he actually taught life lessons," said Nathan Sesco.

Pennington had a notable history with boxing. His victory over Olympian Sugar Ray Seals stands out to most who knew him.

"He was always about other people more than he was himself. He'd give the shirt off his back," said Ryan Bryant.

They all agree it is his faith that gives them faith he is in a better place.

"If we had a dollar for every time he said 'God is good' we'd be rich," said Bryant.

Pennington's funeral will be held at J.W. Call and Son Funeral Home in Pikeville.

It happened on U.S. 23 in Betsy Layne just before 3 p.m. Tuesday.

The coroner says 62-year old Mayfield Pennington of Pikeville died in the crash.

State Police say that according to witnesses, Pennington was driving south when he lost control of his car, crossed the center line and came to a stop in the southbound lanes. His Corvette was then hit by a semi traveling north on the highway.

Officials had to use a crane to move oil tanks away from the scene before they could lift the 18-wheeler off the Corvette.

No word on why Pennington lost control of his car.

The county coroner says this is the fourth vehicle fatality already this month in Floyd County.

The county coroner says this is the fourth fatal vehicle fatality in Floyd County this month.