Vernon Forrest killed in carjacking

Three time world boxing champion Vernon Forrest was shot and killed following an attempted carjacking in Atlanta Saturday night according to local police.

Forrest was attacked by two men who jumped out of a at a red Chevy Monte Carlo while he was putting air in the tires of his Jaguar at a gas station. It’s not clear how much (if any) of the incident was caught on surveillance tape, but it’s believed that Forrest attempted to grab a gun out of vehicle when he was shot several times in the back.

Forrest started boxing at the age of 9 and compiled a 225-16 record as an amateur. His early achievements included being crowned 1991 US junior welterweight champion and winning a silver medal at the 1991 World Amateur Boxing Championships. As a member of the 1992 US Olympic Team he was favored to win the gold medal, but was stricken with food poisoning a day before his first round bout and was beaten by Peter Richardson.

In his professional career, Forrest is best remembered for his two fights against Shane Mosely. In 2001, Forrest fought then WBC welterweight champion Shane Mosley at a time many considered Mosley to be the best fighter in the world. Forrest scored an upset and beat Mosley by a unanimous decision, then backed up six months late defeating Mosley again by a unanimous decision.

After losing form and battling injury, Forrest made a comeback that led him to take the WBC light middleweight title in 2007. After losing it in early 2008, he retook the title again in September the same year.

Police have a general description of the suspects and are currently pursuing a murder investigation. Forrest’s son was in the car at the time of the incident but was unharmed.