Vernon Forrest

Vernon Forrest was an American boxer who fought the likes of Shane Mosley and Ricardo Mayorga. Forrest, known to fans as 'the Viper' was born on January 12, 1971. He began boxing at the age of nine and was able to rake up a record of 225-16 as an amateur. He was the US Junior Welterweight champion in 1992 and bagged the World Amateur Boxing championship in 1991. Forrest was a member of the National team while he was attending university, working under the guidance of US National team head coach Al Mitchell. After a disappointing defeat at the US Olympics in 1992 Forrest moved to Las Vegas and made his pro debut on November 25.

He defeated Charles Hawkins in his first pro fight before wining his first professional title, the IBC Jr. Welterweight championship in 1995. His winning streak would continue on. Forrest was able to defeat 13 out of his 15 opponents, with five matches not getting past the first round.

Forrest won his first major title in Madison Square in 2001 where he won by a unanimous decision. He fought Shane Mosley in the same year, and although Forrest was the underdog, he defeated Mosley by unanimous decision. He repeated this performance six months later, again with a unanimous decision, feats which earned him the Ring 2002 Fighter of the Year award.

Forrest suffered his first professional defeat when he fought Ricardo Mayorga. The WBA Welterweight knocked Forrest out in the third round. He later lost to Mayorga again later in the year.

While stopping for gas in Atlanta on July 25, 2009, Forrest was robbed at gunpoint and was involved in a shoot-out after running after the robber. He was pronounced dead at the scene.