Robert Easter Jr undergoing surgery to remove bullet fragments at a hospital in Cincinnati
Photo credit: Scott Hirano/SHOWTIME
Former lightweight world titleholder Robert Easter Jr. (23-1-1, 14KOs) has been shot three times by a group of muggers.
The robbers who mugged Easter on Sunday night took his three diamond rings, mobile phone and two gold chains.
The 31-year-old is undergoing surgery to remove bullet fragments at a hospital in Cincinnati, but is fortunately expected to make a full recovery from his injuries.
The news was confirmed by Easter's father and trainer to news network WTOL 11 in Easter's hometown of Toledo, Ohio.
"His father, Robert Easter Sr., confirmed the news to WTOL 11 Monday morning. He said the former IBF lightweight champion was shot three times after he was confronted about 6:30pm by a group of men who demanded money,” the report read.
Easter then confirmed the report himself by tweeting: "I'm in so much pain".
As an amateur, the American won 213 from 230 bouts and was an Olympic Team alternate in London 2012.
He won the IBF World lightweight title from Richard Commey in 2016 in his 18th pro contest, despite going down in round eight. 'E-Bunny' then defended the red belt three times before losing it in a unification clash with Mikey Garcia in 2018. In his very next fight, he fought Rances Barthelemy for the vacant WBA and IBO World lightweight titles but the result ended in a draw. He has since bounced back with two fine wins over top contenders Adrian Granados and Ryan Martin.
As of February 2022, Easter is ranked at No.8 in the IBF rankings.
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