Via Jeff Sorby: Former IBF lightweight champion Robert Easter Jr is recovering from surgery in Cincinnati, Ohio on Monday after being shot three times and robbed Sunday night. The bullets were removed, and it is believed he will recover.
Easter Jr was robbed of three diamond rings and two gold chains on his mobile phone. It is not clear if the gold-plated ones are the heavy expensive ones that sometimes cause trouble.
WTOL 11 is reporting that Easter Jr. (23-1-1, 14 KOs) The 31-year-old came to fend off assailants Sunday night, demanding money from him on Sycamore Street in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Before that, the last game was in February 2021, beating Ryan Martin by unanimous decision 12 rounds in Uncasville, Connecticut. Easter Jr hasn’t fought since, and neither does he have a fight scheduled for 2022.
Since losing the 135-lb IBF title to Mikey Garcia in July 2018, Easter Jr’s career has faltered, as he battled to a 12-round draw against Rances Barthelemy in early 2019, and then followed. then beat top laner Adrian Granados by a 10th round. unanimous decision at lightweight in October 2019.
“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 confronted a group of men demanding money around 6:30pm,” reports WTOL.
“Cincinnati Police say the incident happened in the 1100 block of Sycamore Street. Easter Jr. told investigators that an unidentified suspect came up behind him and said “Give me those,Refers to jewelry items. Easter ran and was shot multiple times.”
“Easter is in surgery to remove shrapnel, but hopes to survive.”
It’s unclear if injuries have prevented Easter Jr from continuing his career or if he has plans to return. It would be a pity if Easter Jr couldn’t return from the scene because he’s been so impressive in the past.
Fighting at 140 is tough on 5’11″ Easter Jr, as he’s not a big puncher and the large size advantage he had when fighting at 135 wasn’t as pronounced as he is now. compete at 140.
In September 2016, Easter Jr. claimed the vacant 135-lb IBF title with a 12-round decisive win over Richard Commey. Easter J. had to get up off the deck in the round of 16 to get a win over heavyweight Commey.
Since then, Easter Jr has successfully defended his IBF lightweight title three times, defeating Javier Fortuna, Luis Cruz and Denis Shafikov before losing to Mikey Garcia in July 2018.
