Remembering Vernon “The Viper” Forrest a Champion In & Out Of The Boxing Ring

By Vinny “Glory Days” Lucci

On the heels of this week’s conviction of Charmon Sinkfield for the murder of WBC super welterweight champion Vernon Forrest back on July 25, 2009 finally brings closure for both his family and the brotherhood of the boxing community and fans. Sinkfield’s conviction promises a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Convicted of the actual homicide he joins two accomplices Demario Ware and Jquante Crews who were found guilty for their participation in the crime at separate trials in 2011 and ’12.

Ware was convicted of armed robbery and Crews for being the getaway driver. Sinkfield who cried openly at sentencing on October 28 was a five time felon. On that grim night in Mechanicsville, a suburb of Atlanta Georgia Forrest was in a gas station adjusting the tire pressure on his Jaguar. The thieves at gunpoint stole both a custom gold championship ring and Rolex Watch from Vernon in the mist of attempted car theft.

The fighter had his eleven year old godson with him who did not witness the robbery or murder as he went inside filling station to buy a few items. Forrest tried defending his property and exchanged gunfire with his assailants. At the crucial moment, the robbery turned deadly. Vernon had gave up on the chase and turned his back when he was hit with return fire from Sinkfield, where he was mortally wounded by seven to eight shots reportedly hitting him in back, thigh, and once in the head.

The 1992 Olympian was preparing for an August 1 return to training under the new tutelage of Buddy McGirt when the murder capped off an unholy month of boxing murders that will live in infamy as the worst tragic month in boxing history. On July 1, the immortal legend Alexis Arguello was found murdered in his home while legendary warrior Arturo Gatti was found slain while vacationing in Brazil with his wife and infant son. Inexplicably those murders have yet to be solved and erroneous listed as suicides in my mind and the minds of many boxing fans around the world. My Publisher, “Bad” Brad Berkwitt has spoken out strongly along with Ray Mancini who guested on his show a few times that in fact, they believe unequivocally, that Arguello was murdered by the corrupt Nicaraguan Government.

While investigative reporting by dogged journalists and detectives have failed to yield enough tangible evidence and motive to get a grand jury to convene on bringing about indictments, most observers believe Arturo’s wife was behind the circumstances that led to his untimely death as being the last person who not only saw him alive, but bitterly argued with him in a public restaurant before returning back to their rental. Arguello’s son said his father wouldn’t have taken his own life and the suspicious manner in which his body was found proves beyond a reasonable doubt to him what he already knows in his heart. Now after the slow moving seven year odyssey to convict all three in Vernon’s death is it the hope of everyone that the wheels of justice spin a little faster and solve these two historic murders.

Instead of giving more print then necessary to cover the convicted felons it is good time to reflect on the wonderful career and outstanding fighter and humanitarian that was Vernon. “The Viper” stood six feet tall and fought from the orthodox stance. Born on February 12, 1971 the native Georgian compiled a record of 45-3, 29 KO’s He had a “Hearnsesque” physique and worked from behind a power jab earning him his nickname. Vernon somehow started off his career as a junior welterweight, but quickly grew into a full 147 pound fighter where he reached star status in twice soundly defeating the great Shane Mosley, by unanimous decision.

Until his untimely death his next two fights were the low points in his career after having just achieved world fame internationally as the new hero in boxing. His face graced the cover of Ring Magazine and he was the force in the division to be reckoned with. To his dismay, he was stopped by TKO to brash talking wildman Ricardo Mayorga. In their immediate rematch, Vernon fared much better, but still lost a majority decision. Not the type to fold his cards or pity himself he quickly rebounded in a three bout win streak that included a decision over former welter champ Ike Quartey, which led to winning the super welterweight title from rugged Carlos Baldomir. He lost title in his second defense to Sergio Mora and once again, regained it in the rematch on September 13, 2008.

Sadly it would be the last time he ever entered a ring for pay. Somehow even through grief, it was only fitting that this honorable man exited the world as a champion, same way he lived.

Like most boxers he started from humble beginnings, but knew the first day he entered a gym at age nine, that this would be his calling in life. He worked his way up through the amateurs as a promising novice with can’t miss star potential. He was favored to win the Gold Medal in Barcelona when he was stricken with food poisoning the day before his first bout. After compiling an outstanding amateur record of 225-16, his dreams were dashed and he was forced to start the pro ranks minus the fanfare and glory associated with Gold Medal status. Throughout his pro career he stopped eleven opponents in the first round.

Forrest had a huge heart and found charity work a satisfying way of giving back to the world and those less fortunate. He was a co-founder of Destiny’s Child, a group home for people with mental disabilities. He not only set up the foundation, but was its main contributor and lived in the same housing as the people it took in.

It was much more than a shelter, where they learned coping skills and were encouraged to go to school or seek job placement by helping restore their self-esteem. This was accomplished by literally starting from scratch where Forrest having donated free hours of volunteering time to helping the homeless decided he could do better with a hands on approach.

He studied business administration at North Michigan University and transferred the knowledge into Vernon Forrest Enterprises and culminating into the aurora of his new venture in Atlanta where with two business partners opened up the facility.

It is one thing to parlay good fortune into a way of helping the needy, yet it is quite different as this outstanding young man chose to live there and help lead by example. Most of these people were abandoned by families who did not know how to care for their mental handicap and disabilities. Forrest spent most of his free time when not in the gym over seeing his guests progress and helping restore their dignity. He was also known around the neighbor for his tireless efforts of working with kids both in the gym and keeping them off the streets.

One of the guiding lights in Forrest development was Al Mitchell, who was head boxing coach at NMU’s U.S. Olympic Education Center. He guided the ambitious young man to continue his education as well as to train him getting his pro career above water and flourishing.

Forrest always viewed himself as a winner and took pride in working hard to achieve his goals. Anyone interviewed on his behalf recall a youth who was happily focused and determined to succeed as both a boxer and a champion in life. Although he was taken away from us with a life cut much too short, he did accomplish those goals and left behind some terrific memories for those he helped and those who were privileged to see him earn a living laced up. The thirty eight year old boxer left behind one son, Vernon, JR. His mother and family members were present at last week’s trial.

Rest easy Champ, you are not forgotten.

[si-contact-form form=’2′]