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Vernon Forrest
Statistics
Nickname(s) The Viper
Rated at
  • Light welterweight
  • Welterweight
  • Light middleweight
Height 6 ft
Reach 72+1/2 in
Nationality American
Born (1971-02-12)February 12, 1971
Augusta, Georgia, U.S.
Died July 25, 2009(2009-07-25) (aged 38)
Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights 45
Wins 41
Wins by KO 29
Losses 3
No contests 1
Medal record
Men's amateur boxing
Representing  United States
World Championships
Silver 1991 Sydney Light welterweight

Vernon Forrest (February 12, 1971 – July 25, 2009) was an American professional boxer who competed from 1992 to 2008. He held multiple world championships in two weight classes, including the WBC, IBF, Ring magazine and lineal welterweight between 2002 and 2003, and the WBC super welterweight title twice between 2007 and 2009. In 2002, Forrest was named Fighter of the Year by The Ring and the Boxing Writers Association of America.

In 2009, Forrest was murdered after he was robbed at a gas station in the Mechanicsville neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia.

Early years and amateur career

A native of Augusta, Georgia, Forrest began boxing at the age of 9. After compiling an impressive 225–16 record as an amateur, he became the 1992 US junior welterweight champion, and won silver at the 1991 World Amateur Boxing Championships, losing in the finals to Kostya Tszyu. Forrest was the first in his family to graduate from high school receiving his diploma from Marquette Senior High School in Marquette, Michigan. Staying in Marquette, Forrest was on scholarship to Northern Michigan University where he majored in business administration through the U.S. Olympic Education Center. Forrest continued to train with the US National Team under head coach Al Mitchell.

He was a member of the 1992 US Olympic Team during the Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. He earned his Olympic position by beating Shane Mosley in the trials. After that fight, Forrest was the gold medal favorite heading into the tournament. He would have to fight Cuban fighter Hector Vinent, a gold medallist, before reaching that goal. However, he was stricken with food poisoning a day before his first round bout and was beaten by Peter Richardson, who he'd previously defeated in a fight at the 1991 World Amateur Boxing Championships en route to winning the silver medal. He returned home to Augusta, then moved to Las Vegas, and made his professional debut on November 25, 1992.

Professional career

In his professional debut in November 1992, Forrest defeated Charles Hawkins. Through 1996, Forrest stopped 13 out of 15 opponents. Five were stopped in the first round.

Welterweight

As the years went by Forrest won a few minor title belts. In the year 2000 Forrest finally got his chance to fight for a major title belt against Raul Frank (for the IBF welterweight title). Unfortunately for Forrest however, a cut caused by an accidental head butt ended the bout in round three and the fight was ruled a no contest.

IBF welterweight champion

Forrest met Frank again in a rematch at Madison Square Garden on May 12, 2001, on a Félix Trinidad undercard. Forrest dominated his opponent and won the fight by a unanimous decision to claim his first major professional boxing title.

Forrest vs Mosley I

In 2001, Forrest fought the WBC and lineal welterweight champion, Shane Mosley. Many considered Mosley to be the best fighter in the world, and he was the betting favorite to win the fight. Despite being the favorite, Mosley was dominated in this bout. Both fighters initially started strong, landing hard blows, but in the second round Forrest had Mosley hurt early and knocked him down for the first time in his career. A series of strong punches would put him down yet again later in the round. With his dominant performance, Forrest was also awarded the Ring Magazine welterweight title.

Forrest vs Mosley II

Six months later, Forrest once again squared off against Mosley in a rematch. Despite a stronger performance from Mosley, Forrest won a clear cut decision, using his jab more effectively and through superior ring generalship. Forrest was now considered by many to be one of the top fighters in the world.

Forrest vs. Mayorga I

In January 2003, Forrest fought the WBA welterweight champion, Ricardo Mayorga. Mayorga was a mostly unknown fringe contender from Nicaragua and few gave him a chance to win against the significantly bigger and stronger Forrest. Mayorga shocked the world when he easily dominated Forrest, dropping him once in the first round and again in the third round. The referee would call off the fight after the second knockdown, as Forrest was visibly dazed and unable to get his footing.

Forrest vs. Mayorga II

Forrest would rematch Mayorga six months later, losing again, this time by a majority decision. The bout was close and competitive, with Mayorga mostly chasing Forrest around the ring while Forrest was content to fight from the outside.

Light middleweight

Comeback trail

Forrest took two years off from fighting because of injuries; Forrest had complete reconstructive surgery on his left arm. He had three surgeries two on his shoulder to repair a torn rotator cuff and one on his left elbow to repair torn cartilage and nerve damages.

In his first fight since losing twice to Mayorga, Forrest knocked out Sergio Rios in two rounds. After the fight against Rios, Forrest stopped Elco Garcia in the tenth round.

Forrest won a controversial ten round unanimous decision over Ike Quartey on August 5, 2006, at Madison Square Theatre, New York City. The judges at ringside scored the fight, 95–94, 95–94, and 96–93.

WBC Light middleweight champion

On July 28, 2007, Forrest won a unanimous decision against Carlos Baldomir in Tacoma, Washington, frequently firing off heavy right blows at Baldomir. After twelve rounds, Forrest won a lopsided 118–109, 116–111, 118–109 decision to take the vacant WBC light middleweight title.

On December 1, 2007, at Foxwoods Resort Casino, he successfully defended his light middleweight title against Italian Michele Piccirillo, scoring an eleventh-round TKO.

Forrest vs. Mora

On June 7, 2008, Forrest lost his title to The Contender winner Sergio Mora via a 12-round majority decision. In the build-up to the fight, Forrest referred to Mora as "the pretender" and threatened to send him "out on a stretcher". However, Mora succeeded in pulling off the upset victory. The final scores were 114–114, 115–113 and 116–112 in favor of Mora.

Reclaiming the title

Forrest reclaimed his WBC 154-pound title on September 14, 2008, against Sergio Mora via unanimous decision, the judges scores were 118–109, 117–110, and 119–110.

Charity work

Forrest was involved directly with the creation of the Not for Profit Destiny's Child, a group home that assists people with developmental, emotional, and psychological disabilities and needs. Forrest was also involved directly with helping the clients by organizing Destiny's Child's activities.

Murder

At about 11:00 pm EDT on July 25, 2009, Forrest stopped at a gas station in the Atlanta neighborhood of Mechanicsville. With him was his 11-year-old godson. As the boy went inside the gas station, Forrest went to the back of his car to add air to a low tire. As this occurred, a man robbed him at gunpoint and fled. Forrest, who was armed, went after the man and shots were exchanged. After a short distance, Forrest gave up the chase and began talking to a second man. It was this man that shot Forrest seven to eight times in the back. According to police, the shooter and a second person left the scene in a red Pontiac. Forrest died at the scene and the death was ruled a homicide. Atlanta Police would arrest and later charge 25-year-old Jquante Crews, 20-year-old Demario Ware and 30-year-old Charman Sinkfield for his murder. It is believed that Sinkfield was the shooter, Ware was the robber, and Crews was the driver. Crews and Ware are serving life sentences. (Georgia Department of Corrections). On October 28, 2016, Charman Sinkfield was sentenced to life without parole.

Professional boxing record

Professional record summary
45 fights 41 wins 3 losses
By knockout 29 1
By decision 12 2
No contests 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
45 Win 41–3 (1) Sergio Mora UD 12 Sep 13, 2008 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Won WBC super welterweight title
44 Loss 40–3 (1) Sergio Mora MD 12 Jun 7, 2008 Mohegan Sun Arena, Montville, Connecticut, U.S. Lost WBC super welterweight title
43 Win 40–2 (1) Michele Piccirillo TKO 11 (12), 2:21 Dec 1, 2007 Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S. Retained WBC super welterweight title
42 Win 39–2 (1) Carlos Baldomir UD 12 Jul 28, 2007 Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma, Washington, U.S. Won vacant WBC super welterweight title
41 Win 38–2 (1) Ike Quartey UD 10 Aug 5, 2006 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
40 Win 37–2 (1) Elco Garcia TKO 10 (10), 1:58 Oct 21, 2005 Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California, U.S.
39 Win 36–2 (1) Sergio Rios TKO 2 (10), 2:43 Jul 16, 2005 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
38 Loss 35–2 (1) Ricardo Mayorga MD 12 Jul 12, 2003 The Orleans, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. For WBA (Super), WBC, and The Ring welterweight titles
37 Loss 35–1 (1) Ricardo Mayorga TKO 3 (12), 2:06 Jan 25, 2003 Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California, U.S. Lost WBC and The Ring welterweight titles;
For WBA (Super) welterweight title
36 Win 35–0 (1) Shane Mosley UD 12 Jul 20, 2002 Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. Retained WBC and The Ring welterweight titles
35 Win 34–0 (1) Shane Mosley UD 12 Jan 26, 2002 The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. Won WBC and vacant The Ring welterweight titles
34 Win 33–0 (1) Edgar Ruiz KO 4 (10), 2:03 Aug 24, 2001 Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort, Chester, West Virginia, U.S.
33 Win 32–0 (1) Raul Frank UD 12 May 12, 2001 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. Won vacant IBF welterweight title
32 NC 31–0 (1) Raul Frank NC 3 (12), 1:45 Aug 26, 2000 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Vacant IBF welterweight title at stake;
NC after Frank was cut from an accidental head clash
31 Win 31–0 Vince Phillips UD 12 Jan 22, 2000 The Joint, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBC-NABF welterweight title
30 Win 30–0 Santiago Samaniego TKO 7 (12), 1:21 Aug 27, 1999 Bell Auditorium, Augusta, Georgia, U.S. Retained WBC-NABF welterweight title
29 Win 29–0 Ed Goins KO 4 (10), 2:57 Jun 19, 1999 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
28 Win 28–0 Steve Martinez TKO 1 (12), 1:56 Apr 16, 1999 Grand Casino, Tunica, Mississippi, U.S. Retained WBC-NABF welterweight title
27 Win 27–0 Mark Fernandez TKO 2 (8), 1:48 Feb 20, 1999 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
26 Win 26–0 Ed Griffin TKO 2 (12), 2:38 Dec 12, 1998 Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. Retained WBC-NABF welterweight title
25 Win 25–0 Adrian Stone TKO 11 (12), 1:27 Aug 18, 1998 Grand Casino, Tunica, Mississippi, U.S. Won vacant WBC-NABF welterweight title
24 Win 24–0 Gilberto Flores TKO 2 Mar 28, 1998 Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
23 Win 23–0 Ray Oliveira UD 12 Nov 7, 1997 Bally's Las Vegas, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Won vacant WBC Continental Americas welterweight title
22 Win 22–0 Jaime Lerma UD 10 Aug 19, 1997 Convention Center, Austin, Texas, U.S.
21 Win 21–0 Pedro Saiz RTD 6 (10), 3:00 May 5, 1997 Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
20 Win 20–0 Francisco De Assis TKO 1 (10) Apr 5, 1997 Bally's Park Place, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
19 Win 19–0 Mike Rios TKO 1 Jan 24, 1997 Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
18 Win 18–0 Chris Slaughter KO 1 (10) May 10, 1996 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
17 Win 17–0 Isaac Cruz KO 8 (10), 2:05 Apr 9, 1996 Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California, U.S.
16 Win 16–0 Tony Ortiz KO 1 (8), 1:29 Feb 22, 1996 Civic Center, Hammond, Indiana, U.S.
15 Win 15–0 Marlon Thomas UD 12 Nov 28, 1995 Bell Auditorium, Augusta, Georgia, U.S. Won vacant IBC light welterweight title
14 Win 14–0 Jesus Mayorga TKO 1 (10) Nov 3, 1995 The Aladdin, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
13 Win 13–0 Roberto Chala TKO 3 (6) Sep 12, 1995 Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.
12 Win 12–0 Julian Romero TKO 2 (10) Jul 15, 1995 Caesars Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada, U.S.
11 Win 11–0 Dezi Ford TKO 4, 1:53 Apr 18, 1995 The Aladdin, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
10 Win 10–0 Genaro Andujar KO 1 Mar 4, 1995 The Roxy, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
9 Win 9–0 Carlos Cartagena UD 6 Jan 25, 1995 Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
8 Win 8–0 Randy Archuleta KO 1 (6) Nov 5, 1994 Caesars Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 Elvesto Mills UD 6 Feb 5, 1994 The Aladdin, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 Lamont Johnson TKO 1 Dec 18, 1993 Caesars Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Eldon Sneeze TKO 1 Oct 20, 1993 Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Theodore Carradine TKO 3 (6), 2:08 Jul 17, 1993 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Augustine Renteria TKO 2 (6), 1:40 Jun 7, 1993 Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Ray Garcia TKO 1 (4), 2:35 Jan 30, 1993 Riviera, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Charles Hawkins TKO 1 (4), 1:29 Nov 25, 1992 Riviera, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.
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