Updated 7/27/2009 12:57:24 PM
ATLANTA -- Before his murder, world champion boxer Vernon Forrest inspired kids to be great through his work with the Atlanta Police Athletic League (PAL).
"I remember him telling the kids, 'I was one of you. Do good. Aspire to be great.' He wanted to make an impact, and he absolutely did," said Atlanta Police Officer Mike Vail.
Vail met Forrest in 1990 when they attended Northern Michigan University together. They became and remained close friends.
When Vail began working with Atlanta PAL, Forrest did, too. He helped coach young kids at the A.D. Williams Rec Center, near the old Bowen Homes Housing Project.
Forrest even trained there for his bout with Sergio Mora in September 2008. Forrest won that fight to reclaim his title as the WBC Junior Middleweight Champion.
Right after the win, he put on a PAL t-shirt in the ring.
"To have a world champion walk in, that motivated the kids," Vail said. "They had a chance to see how he handled himself inside and outside the ring."
Pictures of Forrest are plastered on the walls at the rec center. Vail said Forrest used to bring in clothes and bags for the PAL kids. He even bought 40 new bicycles once but insisted on keeping his contribution anonyous. He didn't need the credit, Vail said.
Vail said he's been fielding calls about Forrest's murder from young men who participated in the program. He said some of the boys went on to become professional boxers.
Forrest was shot to death late Saturday night in Southwest Atlanta after he stopped at a gas station to put air in one of the tires of his Jaguar.
Atlanta police said someone stole his wallet and took off. Forrest ran after him. Police said both men were armed and exchanged gunfire.
Police said Forrest lost sight of the robber and began walking back to his car when he was shot seven times.
His 11-year-old Godson was with him when he stopped. The boy went inside the station to use the restroom and buy some candy. He did not witness the shooting.
Police are still looking for Forrest's killer.
