Former Boxing Vernon Forrest Champ Killed

Three time former champion Vernon Forrest was shot dead during an alleged robbery in Atlanta Georgia.  This took place on Sunday, July 26, 2009.  Forrest who was 38 years old was shot multiple times in the torso and thigh.  At this time there are no suspects.  Fulton county medical examiner Michele Stauffenberg confirmed the case was a homicide. 

Vernon Forrest became popular because he was the first to defeat Shane Mosley.  Boxing promoter Gary Shaw remembers him as being “one of the few decent people in boxing.”  He went on to say that “He cared about mentally challenged adults.  He cared about kids.  I just can’t believe it.”

Vernon Forrest was born in Augusta Georgia, who then settled in Atlanta.  He was a member of the 1992 Olympic Team and a former IBF welterweight.  Not to mention a two-time WBC junior middleweight champion.  In his career he totaled 29 knockouts.  He was also known for taking two wins over Mosley in 2002.

Sadly Forrest is the third prominent boxer to die this month.  Arturo Gastti died on July 11, and Alexis Arguello died on July 1.  Our thought and prayers go out to the family and loved ones for their sudden lost.