16.06.06 – By James Slater: During the under-card of the May weather v Baldomir title fight the other Saturday (Nov 4th) I had the pleasure of speaking with former world champion and highly ranked light middleweight contender, Vernon “The Viper” Forrest.
With the controversy regarding his last fight – a points win over Ike Quartey – still fresh in his mind, Forrest was keen to speak on this subject and others. Here is how the interview went.
James Slater: First of all, have you an opponent lined up for your next fight yet?
Vernon Forrest: Er, we are in negotiations with a few people right now, but there’s nothing concrete yet.
J.S: So there’ll be no rematch with Ike Quartey then?
V.F: Well, if he wants one that’s fine. But if not, I’ll be moving on, you know.
J.S: You’re probably tired of talking about it now, but you feel you won it clearly?
V.F: The three judges that matter scored it for me and they’re all that count, they score the fight.
J.S: Why do you think the result was deemed so controversial by so many people?
V.F: Well, er, the only thing I can do is do what I do. We have expert judges that are paid to do what they do. They’re the only ones that matter, everybody else is just opinions. So they (the judges) saw it how they saw it, and that’s it!
J.S: So you were happy with your performance?
V.F: I thought I could’ve done a lot better, but I maximised what I was working with at that time.
J.S: How was the shoulder after the operation?
V.F: Oh, we still working on it, we still got things (to work on) but I’m glad I was able to put out throughout the fight and get the win.
J.S: Is it frustrating for you, a guy who was once up there in the pound-for-pound ratings – beating “Sugar” Shane twice and all, looking in so to speak. Would you love to be in there with Floyd (Mayweather)?
V.F: Well, I can’t make 147, that’s why I’m fighting at ’54. But yeah, if Floyd moved up I’d fight him. I’d take on anybody. I’m a fighter who never ducked anyone, so it don’t matter who the person is, it’s just about the negotiations and if everything is right. If everything is right, you know, I’ll fight my mother.
J.S: You don’t plan on fighting again until next year though, right?
V.F: No, er, we looking at late January or early February.
J.S: I know you’re a guy who always keeps in top shape, you look in great shape now, how much above your fighting weight are you?
V.F: Oh, just a few pounds.
J.S: So is 154 your natural weight now, where you’ll see out the rest of your career?
V.F: I’m gonna fight at ’54 right now and then I’m gonna let my body do what it does. If my body decides to move up then I’ll move up.
J.S: Can I just ask you about tonight’s fight. Do you rate Floyd as highly as everyone else seems to first of all?
V.F: Yeah, he’s the very best right now. He’s proven himself over the duration of his career. He’s one of the best undefeated champions so you gotta give him his credit.
J.S: Just finally Vernon, do you see him having any problems tonight with Baldomir?
V.F: No, I think Baldomir’s pretty much tailor-made for him. I don’t expect him to have any problems at all.
J.S: Well I want to thank you for your time, I really appreciate it champ.
V.F: Oh, no problem talking to you.