Boxer Robert Easter Jr., the lightweight world champion between 2016 (when he defeated Richard Commey) and 2018 (when he lost to Mikey Garcia), was shot three times during a robbery on Sunday on Sycamore Street in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The 31-year-old boxer from Toledo, Ohio had to undergo emergency surgery at a Cincinnati hospital to remove bullet fragments from the shots he suffered.
"I'm in so much pain," Easter Jr. tweeted after the incident.
"I appreciate the love. I'm resting up guys. I appreciate you all. I will recover and be OK."
Doctors are confident that Easter Jr. will survive his wounds and make a full recovery after a worrying experience.
Lucky to be alive
In the robbery that almost cost Easter Jr. his life, the thief, who assaulted him from behind, took his mobile phone, two diamond rings and two gold chains.
Easter Jr. will now recover in hospital as he focuses on getting back to full health soon.
The last fight for the former lightweight world champion, who has a professional record of 23-1-1, came in February 2021 against Ryan Martin. Then, Easter Jr. defeated Martin by a unanimous decision after 12 rounds.
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