Vernon Forrest

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameVernon•Forrest
Used nameVernon•Forrest
Nick/petnamesThe Viper
Born12 February 1971 in Augusta, Georgia (USA)
Died25 July 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
Measurements183 cm / 63 kg
AffiliationsU.S. Olympic Education Center
NOC United States

Biography

Vernon Forrest was US National Champion in 1991 at 139 lbs. and was runner-up that year in the World Championships. After the Barcelona Olympics he turned pro and fought thru 2009, compiling a record of 41 wins, 29 by knockout, and 3 losses. In 1998 he won the NABF welterweight title by TKO over Adrian Stone. He added the IBF welterweight championship in 2001 with a victory over Raul Frank by unanimous decision. In 2002, Forrest twice defeated Sugar Shane Moseley to win the WBC welterweight title, although he would lose that crown in January 2003 to Ricardo Mayorga, and then lost a re-match in July 2003. Absent from the ring for two years, Forrest returned in 2005, and in July 2007 won the WBC light middleweight title by defeating Carlos Manuel Baldomir. He lost that crown in June 2008 to Sergio Mora, but regained the title in September 2008 in a re-match with Mora. In July 2009, while filling his car tires with air, Forrest was accosted by two men who tried to steal his car. Gunfire was exchanged and Forrest was killed during the shoot-out.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1992 Summer Olympics Boxing USA Vernon Forrest
Light-Welterweight, Men (Olympic) =17

Special Notes