Former lightweight world titleholder Robert Easter Jr has been shot three times by a group of robbers.
The robbers who mugged Easter on Sunday night took his three diamond rings, mobile phone and two gold chains.
Easter is undergoing surgery to remove bullet fragments at a hospital in Cincinnati, but is thankfully expected to make a full recovery from his injuries.
The news was confirmed by Easter's father and co-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 6:30 p.m. 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".
The former lightweight champion Easter has not fought in the ring since last February, outpointing Ryan Martin to pick up his 23rd win as a professional.
Despite not having a fight booked, Easter was in training and planning a ring return in early 2022 before being shot by the robbers.
But he will now have to put his plans to fight again on hold, as he will need time to recover from his surgery.
After being without a win in consecutive lightweight fights, Easter moved up to 140lbs before his recent win as he defeated Adrian Granados in late 2019.
The 31-year-old has been busy with problems outside of the ring since his last bout, being charged with a misdemeanour assault last August.
Easter was accused of punching a woman and rendering her unconscious. A police officer who reportedly observed the altercation said the woman had a split lip and chipped tooth.
Easter was handed a two-year probation sentence whilst also being ordered to attend, and complete, a court-approved anger management program.
