Updated 7/26/2009 5:41:58 PM
ATLANTA -- Former world champion boxer Vernon Forrest was shot to death during a robbery in Southwest Atlanta late Saturday night after he stopped to fix a tire. "Everybody's torn up," said manager Charles Watson. "It's a senseless killing." Watson met with Forrest's family and Atlanta Police early Sunday morning. According to Watson, Forrest stopped at a gas station on McDaniel Street in the Mechanicsville community at about 11 p.m. Saturday. Watson said a stranger helped Forrest fill one of his tires with air, and Forrest offered him some money. "There were several guys around him, and they had already planned to rob him," Watson said. "Somehow they snatched his wallet and started running and he (Forrest) proceeded after them." Watson said Forrest then lost sight of the men. "He started walked back, and the guy jumped out and shot him, then shot him six more times on the ground," Watson said. Forrest's Godson was with him Saturday night but went inside to buy a candy bar before Forrest was robbed. He did not witness the shooting. "Vernon was a God-fearing man," Watson said. "It's just devastating to see him lose his life the way he lost it." Atlanta Police Sgt. Lisa Keyes said police have no suspects at this time.
He also gave back to his community.
"Vernon had a big heart," Watson said. "He was one of nine kdis and always believed in giving back to underprivileged kids because that's how he grew up."
He was involved in the Atlanta Police Athletic League.
Forrest was injured in May, but Watson said he was training for a possible comeback fight in September.
