VERNON FORREST

updated July 23, 2007

Vernon Forrest, currently world rated #2 by the WBC, is ready to do what it takes to continue his quest to become a champion again when he faces former WBC Welterweight champion Carlos Baldomir on July 28. "I am ready to go, have trained for several months and feel this win will put me right in contention for a shot at the title," said Forrest. "It hasn't been easy being patient but I am right where I want to be and closer to my ultimate goal of being a champion again."

Forrest's last outing (August 8, 2006) was a decision win over Ike Quartey at Madison Square Garden in New York. Since then he has waited for the opportunity to fight, giving him the chance to continue to heal injuries that have hampered his recent career. "I was back in the ring after a two-year, injury-plagued layoff and had made inroads to reestablishing my career with three fights back-to-back when I suffered another injury," said Forrest. "I have taken the necessary time to heal, am ready for it to all be behind me."

Most of the boxing world knows Forrest is a great fighter. He is best remembered for his outstanding back-to-back victories over Shane Mosley in 2002. The accolades he received for these performances include--the Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year, ESPN Friday Night Fights Fighter of the Year, the World Boxing Hall Of Fame Fighter of the Year, USA Today's Fighter of the Year and, selection by the most coveted boxing group--the Boxing Writers Association of America--as 2002 Fighter of the Year.

Although he experienced a disappointing year in 2003 with two loses to Ricardo Mayorga--even though some feel the second fight was a Forrest victory--he still showed the boxing world and sports fans that he is was among the elite fighters in the sport. His work outside the ring as cofounder of Destiny's Child--an Atlanta-based company that provides group home placement for the mentally challenged--garnered him the Boxing Writers Association of America 2003 Marvin Kohn Good Guy award. Forrest became the first fighter to receive back-to-back awards from the BWAA.

As Forrest reflects on his success, he feels appreciative of all his life has to offer. "Although I have experienced a bit of a bump in the road in my professional boxing career, I worked very hard to achieve the level of success I have," said Forrest. "I am just so grateful for all that I have in and out of the ring."

There is no doubt Vernon is a "very special kind" of Forrest. Forrest was born in Augusta, Georgia on February 12, 1971, the sixth of eight children. Forrest compiled an impressive 225-16 amateur record, which included capturing the 1992 junior welterweight world amateur champion and 1991 U.S. junior welterweight national title. He received a scholarship to Northern Michigan University, were he studied business administration and continued to train with the U.S. National Team under the tutelage of head coach Al Mitchell. Fulfilling his Olympic dream was the only reason Forrest left college. He was a member of the 1992 U.S. Olympic Team.

Forrest made his professional debut on November 25, 1992. The 6-foot welterweight with a 73-inch reach kept winning as a professional and by 1996 Forrest stopped 13 out of 15 opponents-five in the first round. He secured his first professional title--IBC Jr. Welterweight Championship--in November 1995. This was only Vernon's fourteenth fight. He went on to secure his second title--the WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Championship--with a unanimous decision over Ray Oliveira. He eventually relinquished the WBC Continental Americas crown to fight Adrian Stone for the available NABF Welterweight crown. A left hook broke Stones jaw and Forrest was victorious again and now, three-time champion.

From December 1998 to June 1999, as NABF Welterweight champion, Forrest stayed busy and dispatched every opponent he faced until he got his chance to fight for the vacant IBF Welterweight Championship against Raul Frank in August 2000. Forrest was forced to accept a no-contest decision and waited nine months before meeting Frank again in a rematch at Madison Square Garden on May 15, 2001. Forrest easily dominated Frank, and became the new IBF Welterweight Champion of the World.

Forrest only wanted to "fight the best." He agreed to face then pound for pound king, Shane Mosley for Mosley's WBC welterweight championship belt. The fighters met on January 26th, 2002 at New York's Madison Square Garden in a title bout that is sure to be remembered as one of the most defining moments in Forrest's career.

Forrest dominated the fight from the beginning knocking Mosley down twice in the second round. Throughout the bout Forrest demonstrated his superior boxing skills along with an arsenal of body shots, right hooks, and uppercuts. The final decision was unanimous, with overwhelming scores from the three judges of 118-108, 117-108, and 115-110. "I'm not a titlist anymore," said Forrest. "I'm a champion. I earned the right to be called that."

Unlike most champions in boxing today, Forrest agreed to face Mosley in an immediate rematch. "I beat him the first time and I will beat him again," said Forrest. Forrest defeated Mosley with the same will, determination and domination he has brought to the ring throughout his career.

In 2003 Forrest fought Ricardo Mayorga twice in an attempt to unify the welterweight titles. A disappointing showing in their first bout that resulted in a loss for Forrest, and a close decision loss in the rematch, left Forrest disappointed. However, it did not diminish his resolve to continue his career and regain his status as one of the best pound for pound in the business.

Back to his work outside the ring, Forrest's passion begins with his desire to help the mentally challenged. Forrest is co-founder of Destiny's Child, Inc., (D.C.I.) a group home that provides housing and assistance to mentally challenged adults. Starting five years ago with one house and four clients, Forrest has grown the business to two houses, six apartments and 30 male clients ranging from ages 16-65. The home provides 24-hour supervision by trained mental health professionals. Most of the residents call him "Uncle Vernon", which puts a special feeling deep in his heart. "At first, you think they need you; but after a while, you realize you need them too," said Forrest.

Although he loves his "regular" life, he desires to capture another world title before retiring from the ring. "I want to be in the Boxing Hall of Fame," said Forrest. "That is my ultimate and defining goal as a fighter--to be remembered as one of the great ones."