Manuel Charr forgives his attempted assassin

Manuel Charr's would-be assassin has just been sentenced to five years in prison after turning himself into authorities and confessing to the crime. Charr had been shot three times in the stomach by Youssef last September after he reportedly pulled up in a car and unloaded on Charr. The crime is said to have been incited by Charr's Syrian nationality, with Charr requiring emergency surgery as a result of the wounds.

As it turns out, Charr had actually known his shooter, whom he even helped train in the past. But after Youssef turned himself in and confessed, he also apologized to Charr for his actions. And In addition to his apology, he also offered Charr 15,000 euros through his attorney as compensation for his injuries, although Charr would not accept the money.

"I don't want the family to be in debt for this kid's mistake. I have faith in God who forgives us of our sins.

"What kind of a man would I be not to forgive this boy? I always stood up for peace in my home country Syria and all over the world. I need peace and love for my country Syria this is my prayer and why I began my decision for peace and forgive."

Charr, who appears to be recovering well from the shooting, is hoping to make a return to boxing sometime in the future. He last fought against Mairis Briedis just a month before the shooting, in a fight where he was knocked out in the fifth round.