Vernon Forrest Shot and Killed During Robbery

According to a news report, WBC Junior Middleweight champion Vernon Forrest was shot and killed during an armed robbery.

Forrest reportedly stopped to put air in the tires of his Jaguar, when approached and robbed at gunpoint. As the suspect fled, Forrest gave chase and exchanged gunfire with the suspect. Forrest was shot eight to nine times.

Forrest is best remembered by fight fans as the man who beat Shane Mosley twice, being almost the only man to knock Mosley out in their first match.

Forrest is also known for his charity work. He owned and operated Destiny's Child Inc., which provides housing and living assistance to mentally challenged adults.

According to his trainer, Forrest was gearing up to fight again later in the year.

On a personal note, I have met Vernon Forrest on several occasions. He is a big fight fan and is from my hometown of Augusta, GA.

I've never met a more humble, down to earth fighter. Forrest was always willing to talk boxing with me. The last time I saw Forrest I tried to convince him to fight Paul Williams, who was also in the arena that night.

Vernon candidly told me "Naw bro, no way". That's more honesty than you will get from more than 99 percent of the boxers currently fighting today.

I am deeply saddened by his death, and send my condolences out to his family.