ASSAULT AND ATTEMPTED ROBBERY AT GUNPOINT DERAILS SATURDAY CLASH FOR AKEEM BLACK

Milwaukee, Wisconsin – December 16, 2016 – As the year winds down, Wisconsin-based super welterweight boxer Akeem Black (2-0, 1KO) is looking for better days in 2017. The 21-year-old father of two was assaulted Saturday in an attempted robbery at gun point at a Milwaukee gas station, derailing his plans to fight this Saturday in his hometown.

“I was on my way to pick up my sons at my sister’s house, and was sitting in my car at the gas pump, texting her,” said Black. He was accosted by two unidentified assailants, one opening each of his car doors. In shock, Black didn’t immediately comply with the man pointing a gun at him and demanding his cash. “I didn’t say anything at first, and then he repeated it – ‘Give me all you got, I’m not playing with you.’” Black protested, and the man hit in him the face with his gun, breaking Black’s nose. “I don’t carry cash, so they didn’t end up with anything,” said Black.

It was just the latest in a series of events this year that had the young fighter anticipating a fresh start in 2017. In the first half of the year, Black’s father, and his kids’ grandfather was sentenced to prison. Then, three months ago, his older brother Antoine was shot and killed in a domestic dispute at only thirty years old. “I just can’t wait for the new year to start. Hopefully it’s better than this year because this year hadn’t done anything for me except bring me a lot of anger and pain,” Black said.

Black hopes to return to the ring in February of next year. “He is already back in the gym and back to work,” said his long-time trainer Ernie Haines. “We always look for hurdles. I teach my fighters to bounce back. It’s a blessing they didn’t take his life.” Haines asked his fighter to take a few days off after the assault. “We had the BBC fly over from England to do a documentary on Akeem’s life and losing his brother. We just filmed that, and he was getting back on track, and this happens. He’s back at it though. He’s relentless, and he’s very serious about his career.”

Despite the year’s challenges, fighter and trainer remain optimistic about the coming year and the future of Black’s career. “The kid’s got tunnel vision,” said Haines. “I hope he gets a break in the coming year, but no matter what, he’ll be ready for what comes.”