Toledo boxer Robert Easter Jr. shot multiple times during robbery, hospitalised

Toledo boxer Robert Easter Jr. has been hospitalised after he was shot three times while fending off a robbery attempt in Cincinnati on Sunday night. 

Speaking to WTOL 11, his father, Robert Easter Sr., said the shooting took place around 6.30 pm on Sunday. The former IBF lightweight champion was reportedly confronted by a group of men who demanded money before shooting him.

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The victim is undergoing surgery at a Cincinnati hospital to remove bullet fragments. He is expected to survive. 

Confirming the incident, Cincinnati police said Easter Jr. told them the suspects approached him and said “Give me those,” referring to pieces of jewelry he was wearing. When Easter refused and ran, he was shot multiple times. The suspects then took two gold chains, three diamond rings and Easter’s cell phone and fled the scene. 

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The 31-year-old victim graduated from Bowsher High School and was named an alternate on the 2012 US Olympic boxing team. In 2016, he won the IBF lightweight championship and held the title until 2018.

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Police said they were investigating the incident and have asked anyone with information to call the Cincinnati CrimeStoppers line and remain anonymous. No arrests were made as of Monday morning.

This is a developing story