Vernon Forest murdered in attempted car-jacking

By Leo Ashworth: After the deaths in recent weeks of former World Champions Alexis Arguello and Arturo Gatti reports of yet another former champion’s passing are coming to us out of Atlanta, Georgia.

WBC World Light Middleweight Champ Vernon Forest was apparently putting air in the tyres of his Jaguar at a filling station when two assailants attempted to steal his car. Forest , allegedly armed with a handgun, gave chase to the assailants and at some point shots were exchanged resulting in Forest being shot several times, at least once in the head.

The news is a further blow to fight fans who in recent weeks have seen the “Explosive Thin Man”, Nicaragua’s Alexis Arguello, commit suicide and Italian-born Canadian tough guy Arturo “Thunder” Gatti die in suspicious circumstances in Brazil with his wife implicated by local Police.

I’m sure all Eastside readers will join me in expressing our sorrow and sending our best wishes and sympathy to the family and friends of Vernon Forest at this sad time. RIP, Champ. And thanks for the memories.