Vernon Forrest facts for kids

Quick facts for kids 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 (born February 12, 1971 – died July 25, 2009) was a famous American professional boxer. He competed from 1992 to 2008. Vernon won many world championships in two different weight classes. These included the WBC and IBF titles. He was even named "Fighter of the Year" in 2002 by The Ring magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America.

Sadly, Vernon Forrest passed away in 2009 after a robbery. People were later arrested and held responsible for his death.

Early Life and Amateur Boxing

Vernon Forrest was born in Augusta, Georgia. He started boxing when he was just 9 years old. As an amateur boxer, he had an amazing record of 225 wins and only 16 losses.

In 1992, he became the US junior welterweight champion. He also won a silver medal at the 1991 World Amateur Boxing Championships. He lost in the final to another great boxer, Kostya Tszyu.

Vernon was the first person in his family to finish high school. He graduated from Marquette Senior High School in Marquette, Michigan. He then went to Northern Michigan University on a scholarship. There, he studied business and continued to train with the US National Team.

He was part of the 1992 US Olympic Team for the Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. He earned his spot by beating Shane Mosley. Many thought Vernon would win the gold medal. However, he got sick with food poisoning right before his first fight. He lost to Peter Richardson, even though he had beaten him before. After the Olympics, Vernon moved to Las Vegas and started his professional boxing career in November 1992.

Vernon Forrest's Professional Boxing Career

Vernon Forrest started his professional career strong. In his first fight in November 1992, he beat Charles Hawkins. By 1996, he had won 13 out of 15 fights by knockout. Five of those wins were in the very first round!

Becoming a Welterweight Champion

Over the next few years, Vernon won some smaller boxing titles. In 2000, he finally got a chance to fight for a big title. He fought Raul Frank for the IBF welterweight title. The fight ended early because of a cut from an accidental head butt, so it was called a "no contest."

Winning the IBF Welterweight Title

Vernon fought Raul Frank again on May 12, 2001. This time, Vernon showed how good he was. He won the fight by a clear decision from the judges. This made him a major professional boxing champion for the first time!

Big Fights Against Shane Mosley

In 2001, Vernon Forrest fought Shane Mosley, who was considered one of the best boxers in the world. Most people thought Mosley would win. But Vernon surprised everyone! He knocked Mosley down twice in the second round. This was the first time Mosley had ever been knocked down in his career. Vernon won the fight easily and also earned The Ring magazine welterweight title.

Six months later, Vernon and Mosley fought again. Mosley fought better this time, but Vernon still won by a clear decision. He used his jab well and controlled the fight. After these wins, many people thought Vernon Forrest was one of the top boxers in the world.

Challenging Ricardo Mayorga

In January 2003, Vernon fought Ricardo Mayorga, who was the WBA welterweight champion. Mayorga was not very well known, and few thought he could beat Vernon. But Mayorga shocked everyone! He knocked Vernon down twice in the early rounds. The referee stopped the fight because Vernon was too dazed to continue. Mayorga won, and Vernon lost his titles.

Vernon fought Mayorga again six months later. This fight was much closer, but Vernon lost again by a small decision from the judges.

Moving to Light Middleweight

Coming Back from Injuries

After losing to Mayorga twice, Vernon took two years off from boxing. He had serious injuries to his left arm. He needed three surgeries to fix a torn shoulder and a torn elbow.

When he returned to boxing, Vernon quickly showed he was still a strong fighter. He knocked out Sergio Rios in two rounds. Then he stopped Elco Garcia in the tenth round. In August 2006, he won a close fight against Ike Quartey.

Becoming WBC Light Middleweight Champion

On July 28, 2007, Vernon fought Carlos Baldomir. Vernon won by a clear decision, hitting Baldomir with many strong punches. This win made him the new WBC light middleweight champion.

He successfully defended his title in December 2007. He won against Michele Piccirillo by knockout in the eleventh round.

Fight Against Sergio Mora

On June 7, 2008, Vernon lost his title to Sergio Mora. Mora won by a small decision from the judges. Vernon had called Mora "the pretender" before the fight, but Mora pulled off the upset win.

Winning Back the Title

Vernon Forrest didn't give up! He fought Sergio Mora again on September 14, 2008. This time, Vernon won back his WBC light middleweight title with a clear decision from the judges.

Helping Others

Vernon Forrest cared a lot about helping people. He helped create a group home called Destiny's Child. This home helps young people who have special needs. Vernon was also involved in organizing activities for the people living there. He wanted to make a positive difference in their lives.

Vernon Forrest's Passing

On July 25, 2009, Vernon Forrest stopped at a gas station in Atlanta. He was with his 11-year-old godson. While he was putting air in a tire, a man robbed him. Vernon, who was armed, chased the robber. Shots were exchanged. Then, another person shot Vernon multiple times. Vernon passed away at the scene.

Police later arrested and charged several people for his death.