26 Facts About Vernon Forrest

Vernon Forrest was an American professional boxer who competed from 1992 to 2008.

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

Vernon Forrest was the first in his family to graduate from high school receiving his diploma from Marquette Senior High School in Marquette, Michigan.

Vernon Forrest continued to train with the US National Team under head coach Al Mitchell.

Vernon Forrest was a member of the 1992 US Olympic Team during the Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.

Vernon Forrest earned his Olympic position by beating Shane Mosley in the trials.

Vernon Forrest would have to fight Cuban fighter Hector Vinent, a gold medallist, before reaching that goal.

Vernon Forrest returned home to Augusta, then moved to Las Vegas, and made his professional debut on November 25,1992.

Vernon Forrest met Frank again in a rematch at Madison Square Garden on May 15,2001, on a Felix Trinidad undercard.

Vernon Forrest dominated his opponent and won the fight by a unanimous decision to claim his first major professional boxing title.

In 2001, Vernon Forrest fought the WBC and lineal welterweight champion, Shane Mosley.

Six months later, Vernon Forrest squared off against Mosley in a rematch.

Vernon Forrest was now considered by many to be one of the top fighters in the world.

In January 2003, Vernon Forrest fought the WBA welterweight champion, Ricardo Mayorga.

The referee would call off the fight after the second knockdown, as Vernon Forrest was visibly dazed and unable to get his footing.

Vernon Forrest took two years off from fighting because of injuries; Vernon Forrest had complete reconstructive surgery on his left arm.

Vernon Forrest 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.

Vernon Forrest won a controversial ten round unanimous decision over Ike Quartey on August 5,2006, at Madison Square Theatre, New York City.

On July 28,2007, Vernon Forrest won a unanimous decision against Carlos Baldomir in Tacoma, Washington, frequently firing off heavy right blows at Baldomir.

On June 7,2008, Vernon Forrest lost his title to The Contender winner Sergio Mora via a 12-round majority decision.

Vernon 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.

Vernon Forrest was involved directly with helping the clients by organizing Destiny's Child's activities.

Vernon Forrest, who was armed, went after the man and shots were exchanged.

Vernon Forrest died at the scene and the death was ruled a homicide.