Robert Easter Jr. Bio
Robert Easter Jr., born on January 26, 1991, in Toledo, Ohio, is an American professional boxer recognized for holding the IBF lightweight title from 2016 to 2018. Known by his ring name “E-Bunny,” Easter Jr. has built a reputation in the lightweight division with an orthodox stance and an impressive reach of 193 cm, contributing to his successful professional career since 2012.
Early Life and Background
Robert Easter Jr. was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. Details about his family background are limited, but his early years in Toledo laid the foundation for his boxing journey. He began boxing as an amateur, compiling a record of 213 wins and 17 losses, which showcased his early dedication and skill in the sport. Although he did not secure national amateur titles, his talent earned him a spot as an alternate on the United States boxing team for the 2012 Olympics.
His amateur career was marked by significant experience and development, which prepared him for the professional ranks. Encouraged by fellow Ohio native and former world champion Adrien Broner, Easter Jr. transitioned to professional boxing in 2012, sharing trainer Mike Stafford with Broner, which provided him with expert guidance early in his career.
Path to Boxing
Robert Easter Jr. began his professional career in November 2012, quickly making a mark by stopping Eddie Corona in just two rounds. He continued his winning streak with seven consecutive stoppage victories, demonstrating his power and skill. His first notable victory came in 2016 when he stopped former world champion Argenis Mendez in five rounds, signaling his rise in the lightweight division.
His early professional years were characterized by rapid progress and increasing recognition. Easter Jr.’s orthodox stance and reach advantage allowed him to control fights effectively, leading to opportunities to compete for world titles and establish himself among the top lightweights globally.
Robert Easter Jr. Career
Early Career (2012–2015)
Robert Easter Jr. made his professional debut on November 10, 2012, and quickly amassed a series of victories primarily by stoppage. His early fights showcased his knockout power and technical boxing skills, setting the stage for his ascent in the lightweight division. During this period, he built a record that positioned him as a promising contender for world titles.
His team, including trainer Mike Stafford, played a crucial role in his development, focusing on maximizing his reach and orthodox style. These formative years were essential for gaining experience and confidence against a variety of opponents.
IBF Lightweight Champion Breakthrough (2016–2018)
On September 9, 2016, Robert Easter Jr. faced undefeated contender Richard Commey for the IBF lightweight title. The bout was highly competitive, with Easter overcoming a knockdown in the eighth round to win by split decision. This victory marked his emergence as a world champion and validated his status among the elite lightweights.
He successfully defended the IBF title multiple times, including a dominant performance against Luis Cruz in February 2017, where he scored three knockdowns en route to a unanimous decision. Another tough defense came against Denis Shafikov in June 2017, which he won by unanimous decision after a hard-fought battle.
In January 2018, Easter defended his title against Javier Fortuna. Despite Fortuna coming in overweight, Easter secured a controversial split decision victory in a fight that tested his resilience and adaptability against a tricky southpaw opponent.
His reign as IBF lightweight champion ended in July 2018 when he faced Mikey Garcia in a unification bout. Garcia won by unanimous decision, handing Easter his first professional loss. Despite the defeat, Easter showed sportsmanship and acknowledged Garcia’s superior performance in the ring.
Post-Championship Career (2019–Present)
After losing the IBF title, Easter Jr. fought for the vacant WBA regular lightweight title in April 2019 against Rances Barthelemy, resulting in a split-decision draw. He then moved up to the light welterweight division and secured a unanimous decision win over Adrián Granados, demonstrating his ability to compete effectively at a higher weight class.
In February 2022, Easter Jr. was involved in a shooting incident outside a casino in Cincinnati, Ohio, which has since impacted his boxing activity. As of now, he remains an active competitor but has not fought since the incident.
Driving Style and Strengths
Robert Easter Jr. is known for his orthodox stance and exceptional reach of 193 cm, which he uses to maintain distance and control the pace of his fights. His style combines technical boxing skills with effective jab usage and knockout power, as evidenced by his 14 wins by knockout. His strategic approach allows him to adapt to different opponents, making him a versatile and challenging fighter in the lightweight division.
Notable Events and Milestones
Easter Jr.’s career highlights include winning the IBF lightweight title in 2016 and defending it successfully multiple times. His victory over Richard Commey marked a significant milestone, as did his competitive unification bout against Mikey Garcia. His professional record of 23 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw in 25 fights underscores his status as a top-level boxer.
Robert Easter Jr. Career Wins
Throughout his career, Robert Easter Jr. has amassed 23 wins in 25 professional fights, with 14 coming by way of knockout. His victories span various notable opponents and championship bouts, reflecting his skill and determination in the ring.
IBF Lightweight Highlights
Easter Jr.’s first major title win came in 2016 when he captured the IBF lightweight championship by defeating Richard Commey. He successfully defended the title multiple times, including notable wins over Luis Cruz and Denis Shafikov. His last fight as champion was a unification bout against Mikey Garcia in 2018, which ended in a loss but showcased his competitiveness at the highest level.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond his IBF title reign, Easter Jr. has recorded significant wins such as his unanimous decision victory over Adrián Granados in the light welterweight division. His early career stoppages and consistent performances have established him as a respected figure in American boxing.
Robert Easter Jr. Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Information about Robert Easter Jr.’s family background is limited, and there is no public record of a boxing lineage or family involvement in the sport. His rise in boxing appears to be driven primarily by his individual talent and dedication.
Personal Life
Details about Easter Jr.’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available. He maintains a professional focus on his boxing career, with limited public disclosure of his private affairs.
2025 Season Performance
As of 2025, Robert Easter Jr. remains an active professional boxer, although his recent activity has been affected by external circumstances. His career trajectory suggests potential for continued competition in the lightweight or light welterweight divisions. Future performances will depend on his recovery and readiness to return to the ring, with fans and analysts watching closely for his next moves in the sport.