The True Grit of Boxers
The true grit of boxers extends beyond the confines of the ring, encompassing the battles they face in their personal lives. Numerous fighters have shown remarkable resilience, surviving life-altering gunshot wounds that could have derailed their careers.
Terence Crawford
One such fighter is Terence Crawford, who carries the weight of a near-fatal head injury from a tragic incident at the age of 21. After a dice game turned violent, Crawford drove himself to seek medical attention, enduring a harrowing experience that left him with a lasting scar, a testament to the fragility of life and a source of motivation as he prepares to face Canelo Alvarez on September 13—17 years after that fateful event.
Robert Easter Jr.
Another boxer, Robert Easter Jr., faced a similar ordeal when he was shot three times during a robbery in Cincinnati in 2022, just as his boxing career was beginning to flourish. With a record of 23 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, Easter endured extensive surgery and recovery, sharing the intense pain of his rehabilitation with fans online. Now 34 and having been out of the ring for four years, his return to boxing seems increasingly unlikely, further complicated by a recent arrest in 2024 for not complying with police during a traffic stop.
Jamie Moore
The story of British boxer Jamie Moore adds another layer to this narrative of survival. In 2014, he became a victim of a robbery in Marbella and was shot twice, with one bullet dangerously close to a vital artery. Despite being told to expect a six-month recovery, Moore quickly returned to training, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to boxing.
Manuel Charr
In Germany, Manuel Charr endured a brutal shooting in 2015, orchestrated by an online antagonist. He was shot multiple times in the abdomen and hips, necessitating two hip replacement surgeries. Yet, Charr’s determination saw him rise again to claim the WBA Regular heavyweight title in 2017, solidifying his status as a prominent heavyweight fighter approaching the conclusion of his career.
Powell
Meanwhile, Powell, known as “The Blessed One,” emerged unscathed from a 2018 shooting incident in Providence that resulted in his uncle being wounded. Powell attributed his survival to divine intervention and the memory of his late mother, expressing gratitude for his life as he went on to establish a charity and re-enter boxing as a promising talent. He recalled the traumatic experience in vivid detail, reflecting on the chaos when a vehicle opened fire on him while he was seated in a car.
Sam Abdulrahim
Lastly, Australian cruiserweight Sam Abdulrahim faced incredible adversity when he was shot eight times during a funeral in Melbourne in 2022. Demonstrating remarkable fortitude, he sought police assistance on his own and recovered from his critical injuries to capture the WBC Australian Cruiserweight title within two years. Tragically, Abdulrahim, affectionately known as “The Punisher,” was shot again in January 2025, an event that claimed his life. Reports indicate he survived a total of seven shootings in his lifetime.
Conclusion
These fighters exemplify bravery not just in the ring but in overcoming the odds against them in their personal lives, highlighting the often unseen resilience of professional athletes.
Phil Jay, serving as the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News for over a decade, brings extensive experience covering the boxing world, having interviewed numerous champions and reported live at major boxing events.
