WASHINGTON, DC - Sunday, July 26 - I am
grief stricken to learn of the tragic death of Vernon
Forrest. Not only was he my client, he was my friend. He
gave me a wonderful opportunity when he asked me to help him
tell his story both in and out of the ring beginning in
2001. The journey was terrific as not only was he a great
champion, but he was a caring humanitarian who always stood
up for what he believed to be the fairness of life.
Most importantly his work outside of the ring,
particularly with his established foundation Destiny's
Child, which provided group housing for mentally
challenged young adults in the Atlanta area, was the
shining light of his life. Seeing him with the kids was
the essence of his being and showed me another side of his
well-rounded and deeply passionate character. It was my
pleasure to help tell his story.
These accomplishments earned him not only the Boxing Writers
Association of America 2002 Fighter of the Year award, but
also their 2003 Good Guy award, a first ever feat for an
active fighter in the history of the organization.
Vernon was a feisty one and always, always, spoke his mind.
It was this intense passion for truth and justice
that fueled his presence, gave him character and instilled
in him a mighty resolve to the end. And yet, he was such
a gentleman too, always giving back to those less fortunate
and appreciating what others did for him. He would go out
of his way to call and thank me profusely for the "coverage"
he received. He was a great son and brother to his mother
and siblings and a wonderful father to his young son Vernon
Jr.
The tragedy of his untimely death is extremely hurtful as
boxing has lost another great champion and a long-standing
member of our sport's community. I will miss him dearly and
he will forever hold a very special place in my heart. With
sympathy to his family, friends and the entire boxing
community, I pray for comfort for all of us during this
terrible time.
Kelly Swanson
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7-26-2009
