SENSELESS VIOLENCE CLAIMS THE LIFE OF VERNON FORREST
By Ron Brashear (File Photo: Eric Van Dyke/InsideBoxing.com)
Inside Boxing Writer/Columnist

Atlanta, GA – (IB) – July 26, 2009 – It is with a heavy heart that I even write this article in regards to the breaking news that Former 4-time World Champion Vernon “The Viper” Forrest (41-3, 29 KOs) was murdered last night (July 25th, 2009) in Atlanta, Georgia.

While at the time of this writing, all of the facts are not in and it’s my understanding that there has not been any arrest(s) or any confirmed suspects, however, one thing that is known at this time is that the Boxing Community, as well as many boxing fans around the world, have lost a World Class Person in Vernon Forrest as a result of senseless violence!

Vernon provided boxing fans with plenty to cheer about in his illustrious career.  I truly believe his defining boxing moment can on January 26th, 2002 in Madison Square Garden, New York City when he brought his undefeated record of (33-0) into the ring to challenge Sugar Shane Mosley’s (38-0) record and Forrest emerged victorious against the fighter that was a consensus pound-for-pound champion at the time.  While there is plenty of more that I could write about his boxing career, it is occasions like this one, that call for taking a look at the person, even beyond his achievements in the ring.  I truly believe you would be hard pressed to find folks that have a bad experience from an encounter with Vernon Forrest outside the ring.  He was such a “good person”.  Vernon was a people-friendly person that was always positive and upbeat and he possessed a heart of gold!

The work that he undertook to extend his help in support of the mentally challenged by helping create the Destiny’s Child group home in Atlanta that provides housing and assistance, is indicative of the genuine compassion and concern that Vernon had for others who were less fortunate than him.

I dream a day whereas senseless violence will receive the proper attention that it needs and perhaps this tragic occurrence, will aide in putting this issue on the forefront where it belongs in hopes of helping others.  May Vernon Forrest rest in peace and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends around the country.

Forrest stated after his final performance in the ring against Sergio Mora in their rematch, “Basic Boxing 101…listen up you younger guys out there, utilize the jab to set everything up and the rest will follow.  This is the difference between a champion and a contender!”   Well, Vernon was definitely a great Champion.

He will surely be missed and I have lost a friend in Vernon Forrest.

You have just gone InsideBoxing.com

Ron Brashear can be contacted at brashear@insideboxing.com, ron@youthofhonor.org