vernon forrest

vernon forrest



Murdered; Vernon Forrest, good fighter, greater citizen, 38

Boxing was hit, and hit hard, by another violent death Saturday night. On the heels of the murder of former world champion and fan favorite Arturo Gatti comes news that Vernon “Viper” Forrest, a three time champion and a boxer noted for good works with mentally challenged youths, has been killed in an attempted carjacking in his hometown of Atlanta. Forrest, who grew up in Augusta, Ga., was only 38, a year younger than Gatti. Gatti was found murdered in a Brazilian hotel room and his wife remains in jail and under suspicion in the case but has not been formally charged by authorities.

Just two weeks ago, Forrest had paid verbal tribute to the fallen Gatti:

"Rest in Peace to my friend "Arturo 'Thunder' Gatti. He was a good friend and great boxer and at one time in our careers we both shared management, trainers, and promotional company. We even sparred once and let me tell you he was one tough guy."

Forrest, who was instrumental in creating the Destiny’s Child Inc. group home for mentally challenged young adults, had an astounding amateur record of 225-16 and an excellent pro mark of 41-3 with one no contest and 29 knockouts.

His pro career was plagued with injuries and surgeries.

News reports say Forrest was putting air in the tires of his Jaguar with when two men who drove a red Monte Carlo accosted him. A woman friend and a baby were inside his car.

Evidently, both the would be carjackers and the three time world champion both had guns.

Police say Forrest pursued the robbers on foot and gunfire was exchanged.

Forrest, who was on the 1992 US Olympic team, was training for an August bout against Sergio Martinez.

Forrest posted not one but two victories over future Hall Of Famer Sugar Shane Mosley.

He also beat out Mosley in the Olympic Trials.

Inexplicably, however, Forrest managed to get knocked out by and lose a controversial decision to run of the mill Ricardo Mayorga. He also lost a fight against Sergio Mora.

Police told WSB Radio News in Atlanta they do not think the robbers knew that their chosen victim was a professional boxer.

Xavier Biggs, Atlanta resident and brother of Olympic gold medalist Tyrell Biggs, is hosting a 1984 Olmypic boxing team tribute dinner and fight night in the city on Aug. 15.

I would not be surprised if Biggs and the others involved in this event memorialize fallen Olympian Forrest on that night.

Others included in the 1984 team tribute are Evander Holyfield and Meldrick Taylor.