Police: Ex-boxing champion (Vernon) Forrest killed in Ga.

[JonLP24]

ATLANTA — Police say former boxing champion Vernon Forrest has been shot and killed in an apparent robbery.

Atlanta Police Sgt. Lisa Keyes said in an e-mail Sunday that Forrest may have been robbed and was shot "multiple times in the back" Saturday night in Atlanta.

Keyes says there are no suspects.

Mark Guilbeau, an investigator with the Fulton County Medical Examiner's office, said an autopsy is planned for Sunday.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iww6sm6YU84TKwA47yI7w_A29OdwD99M65AG1

[H2O Man]

1. Terrible news.

Vernon Forrest was a talented fighter, and seemed to be one of the sport's true gentlemen outside the ring. This tragic news adds to the troubled summer for the boxing nation.

[JonLP24]

3. I thought you might know he is

It is indeed but a tragic summer with all the news for the sport of boxing.

[H2O Man]

2. More:

WSB Radio in Atlanta first reported the shooting, citing a police spokesman. Forrest, who was 38, was an Atlanta native. He was shot seven or eight times as he chased at least two men who had tried to steal his Jaguar as he put air in his tires at an Atlanta gas station, Lt. Keith Meadows said, according to the radio station.

But Forrest had a gun and confronted the men, police said.

"The victim and suspect became involved in a brief foot chase," Meadows said. "At some point, gunfire was exchanged between the two of them. The victim was shot at least once in the head."
Forrest was fatally wounded by two semi-automatic weapons, according to police.


http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=&sa=TS&eid=4356715

[JonLP24]

4. Thank you

I added that bit of information to LBN which I cross-posted if you don't mind.

[H2O Man]

5. VF proved the old

saying that "styles make fights." Though he will not be remembered as highly by most fans as Shane Mosley, they had fought in both the amateurs and professionals -- and Vernon won every time.

As the reports today note, he had some injuries to his shoulder and later, to his ribs, that sidelined his career. He should have taken the full time needed to repair the shoulder and heal, before trying to compete. But the sport can be cruel, and when an opportunity passes by, it never comes again. So he fought injured, and made things worse.

Three of the sport's big names died violent deaths in a 30 day period. Sad news, indeed.

[JonLP24]

6. Impressive career

Wiki says he was named 2002 Fighter of the Year by Ring Magazine. Also a 225-16 record as an amateur and a 41-3(29 KO) record.

ESPN also reported he had his girlfriend's son in the backseat but he wasn't harmed.

[Wetzelbill]

7. I just saw that, wow what a shame

That is horrible.

[Wetzelbill]

8. a bit more

Police: Ex-boxing champion Forrest killed in Ga.
http://sports.yahoo.com/box/news?slug=ap-forrestkilled&prov=ap&type=lgns

[H2O Man]

9. Tragic.

He was a heck of a boxer, and a great guy outside the ring. I never met him, but from everything that I've ever read, he was an asset to the community.

[Wetzelbill]

10. I always liked him

Fun fighter to watch. I remembered him from the Olympics and followed his career a little over the years. A hard worker and he really deserved the recognition he got from his wins over Moseley.

This has been a tough month. I was a big fan of Gatti too, and I grew up watching Alexis Arguello, who was one of my dad's favorite fighters. I remember when my dad and I would spar, he would jokingly pretend that he was Arguello. I couldn't have been more than 6 or 7.