By John Kelvin: Vernon Forrest and Winky Wright were two of the best boxers of the last 10 years. Winky was a southpaw who had an excellent right jab which he used to control his opponents as well as turtle like defense which few opponents were able to penetrate. Vernon Forrest was a member of the 1992 US Olympic team and had a great set of boxing skills.
Forrest also had a strong jab and an excellent right cross which was capable of sending most opponents to the canvas. Both men had to wait a long time before being recognized and accepted as top fighters. Winky had to find fights in Europe before finally fighting for the title in France against Julio Cesar Vasquez where he lost a wide decision after rising from the canvas four times.
Winky then won a light middleweight belt against Bronco McCart before losing a controversial decision to Harry Simon in South Africa. Wright was finally exposed to American audiences when he fought highly regarded Fernando Vargas and lost a debatable decision. Winky then won a belt against Robert Frazer before meeting Shane Mosley for the undisputed championship.
Mosley was favoured to win but Winky boxed well and out pointed him to be crowned number one in the division. Winky fought Mosley in a rematch a few months later and once again emerged victorious to solidify his status as the undisputed champion. Vernon Forrest also had a long road to the championship despite being part of the same Olympic team as Oscar De La Hoya.
Forrest had to wait nine years to win a title which he done by out pointing Raul Frank in a rematch after their first fight ended in a no contest. In his next welterweight fight Forrest, like Wright, had to face Shane Mosley to determine the number one in the division.
Mosley was undefeated and was considered the best fighter in the world by many but Forrest fought excellently and floored Mosley twice on route to a unanimous points win. He also defeated Mosley in a rematch to leave no doubt that he was the best welterweight in the world.
If these two champions were to fight like the way did in defeating Mosley, who do you think would come out on top? I think it would be a close tactical affair with both men having their moments. However with the fight entering the championship rounds i think Forrest’s strong right hands would penetrate Winky’s guard just enough to earn a close win on the judges scorecard.
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