BOXER VERNON FORREST KILLED IN ROBBERY ATTEMPT

Already reeling from the death of Arturo Gatti, the boxing world awoke to another tragedy on Sunday morning with Vernon Forrest’s murder during a robbery attempt in his home town of Atlanta.  Forrest was reported dead at the scene due to ‘multiple gunshot wounds’ to the torso and thigh area.  A police report on the shooting has yet to be released, and there is no confirmation on the identity or condition of his assailant.

A former world champion in two divisions, Forrest’s most famous triumphs was his two decision victories over ‘Sugar’ Shane Mosely.  More importantly, Forrest was a great human being in addition to being a top level prizefighter.  He went beyond mere financial contributions, and had a direct impact on the lives of many young inner city men with mental and emotional handicaps.  He frequently spoke of the people he worked with as his true inspiration during his fights.

Reaction to Forrest’s death was quick and profound.  Gary Shaw, more recently known for running the Elite XC MMA promotion, served as Forrest’s promoter at various points during his career and gave this tribute:

"It's 100 percent confirmed. He's dead. I will say this about him -- he was a decent human being. His work with kids, I think people knew how much he cared for kids, underprivileged and mentally challenged people. He was a real decent human being outside the ropes.”

Shaw continued to speak of the tragedies that have befallen ‘the sweet science’ this summer:

"What can you say? Alexis Arguello, Arturo Gatti and Vernon Forrest all leaving us within 30 days? I think it's a little much for our sport to handle. The violence, the guns have to go. Violence belongs inside the ropes. Not outside them. It's just senseless. Maybe boxing ought to dedicate itself to keeping the violence inside the ropes and try to send that message out to the world."

Noted trainer Buddy McGirt’s thoughts were for Forrest’s own son:

"I just feel so bad, he has a son you know. Someone is going to be raised without a father because somebody wanted to rob someone."

HBO president Ross Greenberg also knew Forrest well from his time at the head of the network’s sports division:

"He was one of the most gracious and charitable fighters in boxing and he will be missed by the entire boxing community and all of his friends at HBO. Maybe Vernon's lasting legacy will be for Americans everywhere to rise up and end this kind of senseless violence”

Forrest had withdrawn from his last scheduled fight due to a rib injury and according to Shaw wasn’t ready to quit at age 38:

"He was ready to come back and we were discussing fights for Vernon. I had told Al Haymon recently I would love to make a fight between Vernon and Kelly Pavlik. I thought he still had a career in front of him."

Atlanta police are continuing their investigation into Forrest’s murder, though there are no known suspects at this time.