Vernon Forrest

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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.[1] 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.[1]

He was a member of the 1992 US Olympic Team during the Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.[1] 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

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". 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

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". In 2001, Forrest fought the WBC and lineal welterweight champion, Shane Mosley.[2] 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

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". 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

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". 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

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". 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.[3]

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".[4] However, Mora succeeded in pulling off the upset victory.[5] The final scores were 114–114, 115–113 and 116–112 in favor of Mora.[6][7]

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.[8]

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.[9] Forrest was also involved directly with helping the clients by organizing Destiny's Child's activities.[10]

Murder

At about 11:00 pm EDT on July 25, 2009, Forrest stopped at a gas station in the Atlanta neighborhood of Mechanicsville.[11] 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.[12] 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.[13] Crews and Ware are serving life sentences. (Georgia Department of Corrections). On October 28, 2016, Charman Sinkfield was sentenced to life without parole.[14]

Professional boxing record

Template:BoxingRecordSummary

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

References

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External links

Template:S-start-collapsible Template:S-text Template:S-before | style="width: 40%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"| U.S. light welterweight champion
1991 Template:S-ttl/check Template:S-after Template:S-text Template:S-break Template:S-vac | style="width: 40%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"| WBC Continental Americas
welterweight champion

November 7, 1997 – August 1998
Vacated Template:S-ttl/check Template:S-vac Template:S-break Template:S-vac | style="width: 40%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"| NABF welterweight champion
August 18, 1998 – August 2000
Vacated Template:S-ttl/check Template:S-vac Template:S-text Template:S-break Template:S-vac | style="width: 40%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"| IBC light welterweight champion
November 28, 1995 – February 1996
Vacated Template:S-ttl/check Template:S-vac Template:S-text Template:S-break Template:S-vac | style="width: 40%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"| IBF welterweight champion
May 12, 2001 – December 2001
Stripped Template:S-ttl/check Template:S-vac |- style="text-align:center;"

|style="width:30%;" rowspan="1"|Preceded by

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| style="width: 40%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"| WBC welterweight champion
January 26, 2002January 25, 2003 Template:S-ttl/check

| style="width: 30%; text-align: center;" rowspan="3"| Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by

Template:Delink question hyphen-minusTemplate:S-aft/filterTemplate:S-aft/filterTemplate:S-aft/filterTemplate:S-aft/filterTemplate:S-aft/filterTemplate:S-aft/filterTemplate:S-aft/filterTemplate:S-aft/filterTemplate:S-aft/filter

|- Template:S-vac | style="width: 40%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"| The Ring welterweight champion
January 26, 2002 – January 25, 2003 Template:S-ttl/check |- style="text-align:center;"

|style="width:30%;" rowspan="1"|Preceded by

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| style="width: 40%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"| Lineal welterweight champion
January 26, 2002 – January 25, 2003 Template:S-ttl/check Template:S-break Template:S-vac | style="width: 40%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"| WBC super welterweight champion
July 28, 2007 – June 7, 2008 Template:S-ttl/check

| style="width: 30%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"| Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by

Template:Delink question hyphen-minusTemplate:S-aft/filterTemplate:S-aft/filterTemplate:S-aft/filterTemplate:S-aft/filterTemplate:S-aft/filterTemplate:S-aft/filterTemplate:S-aft/filterTemplate:S-aft/filterTemplate:S-aft/filter

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| style="width: 40%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"| WBC super welterweight champion
September 14, 2008 – May 21, 2009
Stripped Template:S-ttl/check

| style="width: 30%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"| Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by

Template:Delink question hyphen-minusTemplate:S-aft/filterTemplate:S-aft/filterTemplate:S-aft/filterTemplate:S-aft/filterTemplate:S-aft/filterTemplate:S-aft/filterTemplate:S-aft/filterTemplate:S-aft/filterTemplate:S-aft/filter

|- Template:S-ach Template:S-before | style="width: 40%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"| The Ring Fighter of the Year
2002 Template:S-ttl/check Template:S-after | style="width: 40%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"| BWAA Fighter of the Year
2002 Template:S-ttl/check Template:S-text Template:S-before | style="width: 40%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"| Latest born world champion to die
July 25, 2009 – present Template:S-ttl/check | style="width: 30%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"|Incumbent |- Template:S-text Template:S-before | style="width: 40%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"| Latest born world champion to die
July 25, 2009 – present Template:S-ttl/check | style="width: 30%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"|Incumbent |- Template:S-end

Template:Footer USA Boxing 1992 Summer Olympics Template:Ring magazine Fighter of the Year Template:Sugar Ray Robinson Award

  1. a b c HBO: Fighters Bio; VERNON FORREST
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  6. 411mania.com: Sports – Mora Upsets Forrest – Williams Gains Revenge Template:Webarchive
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  8. ap.google.com, Forrest batters Mora, recaptures 154-pound crown Template:Webarchive
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