The world of sports witnessed another boxing loss this past Saturday, when it was discovered that former WBC World welterweight champion Vernon Forrest was shot dead after an attempted robbery in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia.
The untimely death comes on the heels of two very recent tragedies: the murder of boxer Arturo Gatti, who was found dead in a luxury condo in Brazil, and the slaying of NFL All-Pro quarterback Steve McNair during July 4th weekend.
While putting air in his tires at a local Chevron gas station, Forrest, 38, was approached at gunpoint by an assailant who demanded his wallet. After being robbed, Forrest gave chase to the thief and was shot several times in the back. Forrest’s 11-year-old son was sitting in his car while it all happened, but did not witness the tragic shooting.
Authorities are searching for two men who reportedly fled the scene of the crime.
After capturing the title, Forrest defended his belt against Mosley six months later and was named the 2002 Fighter of the Year by Ring Magazine.
He finished his career with a record of 41–3 and 29 knockouts.
Forrest’s promoter Gary Shaw told the Associated Press, “Vernon was one of the few decent people in boxing. I don’t know what to say. I’m still in disbelief, I’m still in shock.”
Outside of the ring Vernon Forrest was also a true champion, setting up a charity in the Atlanta area called Destiny’s Child Inc., (www.destinyschildinc.com), with a focus on providing affordable housing for mentally disabled young adults and around the clock supervision by trained mental health professionals.
Kelly Swanson, Forrest’s publicist spoke of his humanitarian cause, “Destiny’s Child was the shining light of his life. Seeing him with the kids was the essence of his being. It was truly his calling. When he wasn’t boxing, this was his full-time job.
“I will miss him dearly and he will forever hold a very special place in my heart.”
HBO Sports president Ross Greenburg also commented, “He was one of the most gracious and charitable fighters in boxing and he will be missed by the entire boxing community.
“Maybe Vernon’s lasting legacy will be for Americans everywhere to rise up and end this kind of senseless violence.”
In a summer where the sports world has lost several good people to similar acts of senseless violence, that request could not have been said any better.
And in a world, where we often read headlines focused on greed and violence, both inside and outside sports, it helps to remind us that there are individuals like Vernon Forrest exhibiting what a true champion is made of.
The untimely death comes on the heels of two very recent tragedies: the murder of boxer Arturo Gatti, who was found dead in a luxury condo in Brazil, and the slaying of NFL All-Pro quarterback Steve McNair during July 4th weekend.
While putting air in his tires at a local Chevron gas station, Forrest, 38, was approached at gunpoint by an assailant who demanded his wallet. After being robbed, Forrest gave chase to the thief and was shot several times in the back. Forrest’s 11-year-old son was sitting in his car while it all happened, but did not witness the tragic shooting.
Authorities are searching for two men who reportedly fled the scene of the crime.
Rise To Fame
Vernon Forrest made his rise to fame in 2001 after administering a shocking defeat to WBC welterweight champion Shane Mosley, considered at the time, to be the best in the world.After capturing the title, Forrest defended his belt against Mosley six months later and was named the 2002 Fighter of the Year by Ring Magazine.
He finished his career with a record of 41–3 and 29 knockouts.
Forrest’s promoter Gary Shaw told the Associated Press, “Vernon was one of the few decent people in boxing. I don’t know what to say. I’m still in disbelief, I’m still in shock.”
Outside of the ring Vernon Forrest was also a true champion, setting up a charity in the Atlanta area called Destiny’s Child Inc., (www.destinyschildinc.com), with a focus on providing affordable housing for mentally disabled young adults and around the clock supervision by trained mental health professionals.
Kelly Swanson, Forrest’s publicist spoke of his humanitarian cause, “Destiny’s Child was the shining light of his life. Seeing him with the kids was the essence of his being. It was truly his calling. When he wasn’t boxing, this was his full-time job.
“I will miss him dearly and he will forever hold a very special place in my heart.”
HBO Sports president Ross Greenburg also commented, “He was one of the most gracious and charitable fighters in boxing and he will be missed by the entire boxing community.
“Maybe Vernon’s lasting legacy will be for Americans everywhere to rise up and end this kind of senseless violence.”
In a summer where the sports world has lost several good people to similar acts of senseless violence, that request could not have been said any better.
And in a world, where we often read headlines focused on greed and violence, both inside and outside sports, it helps to remind us that there are individuals like Vernon Forrest exhibiting what a true champion is made of.
